Ultimate Fighting Championship

Dana White says the Diaz brothers are most difficult fighters to get into the Octagon

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:05 a.m. ET

Fansided, Jose Youngs/Fansided

UFC President Dana White is hard at work finding Nick and Nate Diaz their next fights inside the Octagon.

Speaking with USA TODAY on “Radio Row” at Super Bowl LI in Houston, UFC President Dana White said he’s waiting to hear back from the younger brother Nate while revealing Nick has actually turned down a pair of fights in the recent weeks.

“We just offered Nate Diaz a fight, and we’re waiting to hear back from him, so we’ll see,” said White. “These guys say they want a fight – I offered Nick Diaz two fights. He turned down two fights. I offered him Robbie Lawler. Robbie Lawler accepted the fight. Then I offered him Demian Maia. Nick Diaz turned down two fights. And then we just offered Nate a fight.”

Nick Diaz (26-9), a former Strikeforece champion, has not been seen inside the Octagon since his decision loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in January 2015. Following the bout it was revealed Diaz had tested positive for marijuana.

This marked the third time he has failed his post-fight drug test. Each time, he tested positive for marijuana metabolites.

Several of the Nevada State Athletic Commissioners sought a lifetime ban due to Diaz’s two previous positive tests and outside antics that drew the ire of many. However, commissioners Anthony Marnell and Raymond “Skip” Avansino felt the lifetime ban for marijuana was excessive. The sentence was eventually dropped to five years.

The commission again reduced its penalty against Diaz after a settlement, resulting in a suspension of 18 months (retroactively). He was also fined $100,000.

Nate Diaz (19-10), winner of the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter, was last seen dropping a hard-fought decision to rival Conor McGregor (19-3) in the main event of UFC 202 in August. Prior to this setback, Diaz submitted McGregor the second round of their initial fight at UFC 196 in March. The Stockton native had taken the bout on 11 days notice after McGregor’s original opponent, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, pulled out with a broken foot.

This loss snapped McGregor’s 15-fight win streak.

But as far as when the two fan favorites will be back inside the Octagon, White revealed fans shouldn’t get their hopes up anytime soon.

“The most difficult to get into the octagon? Right now, it’s the Diaz brothers – right here, right now,” White said.