UFC News: Nick Diaz Suspension Lifted, Claims Ready To Fight And Still On Top Of His Game

UFC welterweight Nick Diaz is finally cleared to return to the Octagon after being suspended for 18 months. The "Bad Boy of Stockton" was sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in January 2015 after testing positive for marijuana.

Originally suspended by the NSAC for five years and fined $165,000 following his failed drug test in the aftermath of UFC 183, where Diaz lost in the main event against Anderson Silva, the sentence was ultimately reduced to 18 months and a fine of $100,000.

Diaz recently spoke with ESPN after the suspension was lifted, saying that the past 18 months have been a blessing in disguise. "There are ups and downs with that, being suspended. People don't understand, I've had 37 fights, three to five fights every year, for 17 years. That does something to somebody." adding "These suspensions are the only vacations I've ever had."

In spite of the fact that Diaz has been away for a year and a half, he was recently called out by current UFC welterweight king, Tyrone Woodley in his UFC 201 post-fight interview courtesy of Fox Sports, saying that going up against the former Strikeforce Champion would be a money fight. Diaz responded via TMZ Sports saying "I always want to fight the best guy. The thing is I'm on top ... I'm the one on top - they're dropping my name."

The UFC is already dropping hints of Nick Diaz's comeback but the opponent he will be facing might be a former welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler, instead. Earlier in the year, a tweet from UFC President, Dana White, had fans wondering if a rematch between Diaz and Lawler could be possible in the near future. It is still unclear when Diaz will make his UFC return but fans are hoping that it would be soon.

@danawhite i think @nickdiaz209 vs Robbie Lawlor 2 would be massive in 2016. what do you think.

— S (@HighMusashi) January 13, 2016

Nick Diaz has not fought in mixed martial arts since January 2015, and he currently holds a professional record of 26 wins, 9 losses, and 2 no contests.