Nick Diaz is ‘on the right path’ with his health, according to his former MMA rival Jason Miller.
Miller was involved in an infamous brawl with Diaz during the pair’s fighting days, but admitted he reached out to the UFC legend’s camp when he learned about his current state of health.
Diaz, 41, is an icon in the MMA world, having fought professionally in the sport for more than 20 years.
He was scheduled to make his highly anticipated UFC return after a three-year lay-off in December, but withdrew for ‘undisclosed reasons’ from a bout with Vicente Luque.
The cancellation came days after worrying footage surfaced seemingly showing Diaz crouching behind bushes in a public area, which prompted widespread concern about the fighter’s mental and physical health.
In January, Diaz’s long-term friend Jake Shield informed fans that Diaz was ‘heading in the fight direction’, and Miller has now offered a fresh take after reaching out to the UFC icon.
“Somebody [from Diaz’s camp] gave me a note that [said]: ‘Hey, look, he’s getting it together’,” the 44-year-old told broadcaster Ariel Helwani.
“It’s very sensitive to talk about this guy’s journey because I have a lot of empathy for it.
“Because it’s easy, like I said, to fall into this darkness. People do not understand how, you know, if you’re a C-level celebrity, it’s super easy.”
Miller contested 59 professional MMA in his 18-year career and was involved in a heated brawl with Diaz, his younger brother, Nate Diaz, and Shields in 2010.
After Shields had defeated Dan Henderson under the Strikeforce banner, Miller entered the cage to demand a rematch with his American counterpart.
However, this prompted a chaotic scene where the Diaz brothers attacked Miller on live television as the three men traded blows.
“A lot of people will glob on you and drag you in this direction, that direction,” Miller added.
“And it’s super easy to fall into, let alone huge, superstar champions like Nick Diaz and BJ Penn.
“So it’s hard for me to come off without sounding negative about these guys’ experience right now.
“But right now, look, we see that it’s not going perfect. And both camps have told me that they’re on the right path to get back together.”
Diaz was suspended from the UFC for five years in 2015 following a third positive test of marijuana.
Fans believed the ban would end Diaz’s career, but changes to the sports’ law regarding the usage of the drug have since changed, which prompted his desire to return to fighting in 2021.
Nick Diaz’s UFC career
Just one win
Loss to Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 via third-round KO/TKO in September 2021
No-contest against Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in January 2015 (both fighters failed drug tests)
Loss to Georges St-Pierre via unanimous decision at UFC 158 in March 2013 (welterweight title fight)
Loss to Carlos Condit via unanimous decision at UFC 143 in February 2012 (welterweight title fight)
Win over BJ Penn via unanimous decision at UFC 137 in October 2011
‘The Stockton Bad Boy’ made a return to MMA after a six year lay-off in 2021, but his comeback was spoiled by Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 in what was an epic rematch 17 years in the making.
After the bout, Lawler reached out to Diaz to offer support to the Californian native and see if everything was good in his life.
“I’m glad I at least put on a show, I had a lot of stress coming into this one,” Diaz said in his post-fight Octagon interview.
“I don’t have no excuses. I had a long time off. He was in great shape…I’m glad to be back and put on a show for the people.”
Diaz challenged for the UFC welterweight title in 2012 and 2013, losing out via two unanimous decisions to Carlos Condit and Georges St-Pierre.
He was then defeated by MMA pioneer Anderson Silva in 2015, although the contest was later ruled a no-contest as both fighters failed drug tests.
The Californian hasn’t won in MMA since overcoming fellow veteran BJ Penn at UFC 137 14 years ago.
However, it looks like the ex-Strikeforce champion has the right team around him if he wants to make a return to the Octagon for one last dance soon.
Miller’s 59th and final MMA bout came in May 2016.
He was a coach on The Ultimate Fighter in 2011 alongside Michael Bisping and ended up losing his finale bout with the Brit following a nasty knee in the third round.
