Nate Diaz Returns, Faces Raphael Dos Anjos

It was recently announced that the “Stockton Bad Boy” Nick Diaz would be coming out of retirement to face off against former middleweight king Anderson Silva upon his return from injury. However, there was still no signs as to when or if Diaz’s little brother Nate Diaz would return from his self-imposed layoff.

Having last competed in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 Finale on November 30, 2013, Diaz decided to take some time off to complain about his pay. The UFC seemed reluctant to meet Diaz on a deal; however, almost a year later the two sides have made an agreement.

The company announced today (September 23, 2014) via UFC.com that Diaz would be returning to take on No. 3-ranked Raphael dos Anjos in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 13 which will take place on December 13, 2014 from Phoenix Arizona.

Dos Anjos is coming off of the biggest win of his career when he brutally knocked out former champion Benson Henderson in the first round of their main event match-up at UFC Fight Night 49 which took place on August 23, 2014. The victory turned the Brazilian into a top contender in the crowded lightweight title picture, and he will undoubtedly be a tough test for Diaz.

Despite the fact that he will have not fought for over a year by the time this fight takes place, Diaz is coming off a spectacular win of his own over veteran Gray Maynard. A win over the dangerous dos Anjos would sure shoot Diaz towards the top of the rankings.

Who is your pick to win this one? I love watching Diaz, but I think dos Anjos will be too much for the Stockton native, especially coming off a long layoff.

UFC on FOX 13 features a heavyweight headliner between Junior dos Santos and Stipe Miocic, as well the return of Stefan Struve, who will take on fellow Dutch striker Alistair Overeem. Stay tuned to LowkickMMA.com for all of your UFC on FOX 13 news and coverage for the suddenly stacked event.