Written by Kieran Green (@kierlfc12)
Welterweight contender Leon Edwards has been booked to face Nate Diaz, according to reports emerging today.
The matchup will serve as an understudy to the Lightweight title bout between Michael Chandler and Charles Olivera, on the 15th May in Texas.
If what the rumours have suggested proves to be correct, this fight will be the first ever five-round non-title co-main event in UFC history, making it a significant occasion for the sport.
Diaz has not competed inside the famed UFC Octagon since November 2019, where a fiery competition with Jorge Masvidal for the ‘BMF’ belt was ended in defeat via doctor’s stoppage.
Despite his lack of fighting activity, the fan-favourite has still been incredibly present on social media during his absence, using his platform to tease potential fights and call out opponents.
It was unsurprising to see him take to Twitter shortly after news of his return broke, announcing his involvement within the event and taking a dig at the two Lightweight headliners.
Leon Edwards entered his recent contest with Belal Muhammed on an eight-fight win streak, before his own UFC return was ended prematurely following an illegal eye poke.
Many fans will be suprised to see ‘Rocky’ accept a bout with an unranked opponent, especially given how vocal he has been in expressing his desire to fight for the title.
However Diaz still proves a huge name and payday, whilst his opponent has been presented a valuable chance to snatch a position in the upper echelon of the Welterweight rankings.
The two have had words before, with the British Edwards challenging Diaz on social media last February, in the wake of another fight cancelation.
It seems as if fans will finally get to see how this matchup pans out, in an exciting card that also features the likes of Tony Ferguson and Jack Hermansson.
UFC 262 will take place in front of a capacity crowd inside Houston’s Toyota Centre, with UK fans able to watch the early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, and the main event live on BT Sport.
How do you see a fight between Edwards and Diaz going? Let us know!