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UFC legend Nick Diaz says he is targeting a shock return to the octagon next year.

And he’s dreaming of beating Israel Adesanya to become middleweight champion at the age of 39.

Diaz’s last UFC fight came in September 2021, when he was defeated by Robbie Lawler.

Before that, he lost to Anderson Silva in 2015, although that was later made void after they both tested positive for banned substances.

But despite his recent setbacks in UFC, totalling four straight defeats, Diaz is preparing to return once more.

The middleweight game changed dramatically last month when Alex Pereira inflicted a shock defeat upon Adesanya to win the title.

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The duo are likely to face each other in a rematch early next year.

And Diaz is targeting a bout against the winner, who he hopes will be Adesanya.

Diaz declared: “You can see me back on top in 2023, I’m making a comeback.

“I’m going to be quicker than ever, stronger than ever, better than ever.

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“I’m just going to be a whole new me.

“Whoever is on top at the time [I want], preferably Adesanya if he gets his title back.

Another money-spinner for Diaz would be to fight Conor McGregor, who himself hasn’t sparred since breaking his leg 18 months ago.

Diaz’s coach Cesar Gracie said in August: “I would love to see Nick and McGregor fight because it would be insane.

“it would be great, I think they both have respect for each other, their skills and everything.

“i think it would be an amazing fight. If [brother] Nate turned to Nick and said ‘I’m not going to fight McGregor’, Nick would definitely do it.”

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