Nick Diaz pulled out of his rescheduled showdown against Vicente Luque shortly before a disturbing video of the MMA legend went viral.
The pair were due to compete at UFC 310 on December 7 after their bout – which was originally scheduled to take place in August – was postponed due to 'travel issues'.
Former UFC middleweight title challenger Nick Diaz, meanwhile, hasn't returned to the octagon since his devastating third-round defeat to Robbie Lawler in 2021.
Still, the 41-year-old was willing to throw himself into a controversial comeback fight, only to remove himself from the bout for an unknown reason.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
A video of Nick Diaz trying to set grass on fire has gone viral
Five of Vicente Luque's assignments have been canceled in the past two years, with the veteran campaigner now hoping to restore some stability to his career.
Despite never fighting for a UFC title, 'The Silent Assassin' has established himself as one of the organization's most dangerous contenders.
With victories over the likes of Belal Muhammad, Mike Perry and, most recently, Rafael Dos Anjos, the Brazilian has proven that he is a handful for any fighter on his day.
That said, Luque has ultimately suffered three losses in his last four outings, following a devastating second-round knockout loss to top welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley.
And so, the 32-year-old will no doubt look to get back in the win column when he takes on his replacement opponent, reportedly Themba Gorimbo, at UFC 310.
As for Diaz, however, fans are unlikely to see him back in the octagon anytime soon after the American was filmed trying to set fire to a patch of grass.
🚨NEW: A video of Nick Diaz, alone, shirtless in public, attempting to set a random patch of grass on fire has surfaced online ahead of his MMA return against Vicente Luque on December 7. 👀
Thoughts on this video popping up shortly after his fight with Luque was announced? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lVZZuZoFb8
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) November 10, 2024
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Vicente Luque expresses concern for Nick Diaz following the cancellation of the UFC 310 fight
Diaz's erratic behavior has unsurprisingly raised several eyebrows, although no one can say for sure what the motivation behind his bizarre stunt was.
Even now, Luque remains unaware of the reason for his opponent's withdrawal, but nevertheless remains concerned for the well-being of his MMA idol.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“I don't know exactly why [it was canceled],” Luque told MMAFighting. “I saw that video of him on the street and he didn't look good.
'And above all, I hope that his family and he take care of themselves. I hope he recovers and returns to his best possible state.”
“It's very sad to see him at that stage. Because I don't wish that on anyone, let alone a man who has inspired so many.”
It's also safe to say that the majority of MMA fans agree with Luque's words, with Diaz's potential UFC return now a real cause for concern.
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