UFC 235: Nick Diaz Denies Jorge Masvidal Fight Agreement

Despite previous reports stating Nick Diaz (26-9-2) would return at UFC 235 against Jorge Masvidal (32-11), the former Strikeforce welterweight champion has denied signing an agreement for any fight.

An ESPN report in November, citing UFC president Dana White, revealed Diaz was set to make his return to the octagon after over four years against Masivdal at UFC 235 which takes place March 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

However, as per Ariel Helwani of ESPN on Sunday, Diaz has denied a fight agreement with Masvidal or any other fighter, and feels he was being lowballed into making a return.

"I think it's rude of the UFC to try and lowball me and expect me to negotiate a deal while I'm training for a fight," Diaz told Helwani via text message. "It's not gonna go down like that. If anybody wants to fight me they know where to find me. I'm not a hard guy to find. Come get some."

"I have a lot going on trying to manage a few different businesses. Once things make sense for everybody in that they actually have some fighters that they respect and I respect, we can try and come to a deal and do a show. That's how I feel."

Having Diaz return would have been an additional boost to the UFC, especially after the recent return of Conor McGregor, while the likes of Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar will be competing soon.

The 35-year-old is one of the most popular figures in the sport, as news of him returning sent shockwaves across the MMA world.

But despite a fight with Masvidal not being official according to Diaz, he hasn't ruled out a return to the octagon in the future, having last fought a no-contest against Anderson Silva at UFC 183 back in January 2015.

"As soon as I am in a good place with what I'm working on and things look the way it should, I'll be happy to give the fans what they need," Diaz added. "But I think they will be OK for now with what's out there. There aren't any fights for me until someone stands out."

"I'll fight if they can be more reasonable, but, really, I didn't even talk about what it would or could [take]. They are the one's tripping."

Because of Diaz's popularity, he stands out as a potential money or legacy fight for many fighting today. It is one of the reasons he has been called out by the likes of Colby Covington, Ben Askren and UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

But even Woodley doesn't stand out for Diaz, who doesn't seem too interested in the challenge.

"I'll walk through Woodley," Diaz said. "He knows it. I didn't need to say [in response to him]. That man has a life. I fight for one, like I always have."