Nick Diaz makes his comeback, Tony Ferguson transitions to welterweight for UFC Abu Dhabi event

The UFC Abu Dhabi card on Aug. 3 just got a major boost with the addition of two legendary fighters to the lineup. Former welterweight title challenger Nick Diaz is set to make his long-awaited return to the octagon after nearly three years, as he takes on Vicente Luque in a five-round co-main event.

Diaz’s last fight against Robbie Lawler in 2021 left fans questioning his future in the sport, but the 40-year-old veteran has been hard at work in the gym, training alongside his brother Nate Diaz and other longtime teammates. His opponent, Luque, is looking to bounce back from a recent knockout loss and regain his momentum in the welterweight division.

In another exciting matchup on the card, Tony Ferguson will face off against Michael Chiesa in a highly anticipated welterweight bout. Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, is looking to end a seven-fight losing streak and potentially secure his future in the sport.

UFC CEO Dana White announced the new fights, with the main event featuring Cory Sandhagen taking on Umar Nurmagomedov in a No. 1 contender fight for the bantamweight title shot. The stacked main card also includes matchups between Chito Vera and Deiveson Figueiredo, Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez, and Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa.

Fans can expect an action-packed night of fights in Abu Dhabi, with some of the sport’s biggest names stepping into the octagon to prove their worth.