5 things MMA fans need to see in the second half of 2021

#2 Nick Diaz makes his UFC comeback

Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz is one of the baddest and most loved MMA fighters ever. Ever since the start of his MMA career, he has been surrounded by controversies, legal issues, and disputes with the UFC. Nevertheless, he enjoys one of the biggest fan following in the sport to date.

Nick Diaz is a former welterweight champion at Strikeforce, WEC and IFC and is also known for his time in the UFC. In 2015, Diaz faced former UFC champion and MMA legend Anderson Silva in the second-highest pay-per-view selling fight of his career.

He lost the fight via decision and later tested positive for marijuana. As a result, Nick Diaz was slapped with a $165,000 fine and a five-year suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Nick Diaz made a big appearance at UFC 261 in April 2021, leading to massive speculation of the MMA legend's return. UFC president Dana White was bombarded with questions about Nick Diaz's return to the fight scene at the post-fight conference. He said:

"Nick wants to fight. We’ll see how this goes. He’s waiting for me in the back right now. I’m going to go talk to him."

Nick Diaz is in the building for #UFC261 👀 pic.twitter.com/KyS9W5S0oQ

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 25, 2021

Dana White later expressed doubts over Nick Diaz's return to the UFC, saying the MMA legend didn't sound completely willing to re-enter the octagon. While it is still uncertain whether the Stockton native will make a UFC comeback, MMA fans are hoping to see him fight in 2021.

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#1 Dustin Poirier wins the trilogy fight against Conor McGregor

Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor at UFC 257

Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor have created one of the most exciting rivalries in the history of the UFC.

The first face-off between the two took place in 2014, with the 'Notorious' getting on Poirier's nerves with his mental warfare. 'The Diamond' admitted ahead of UFC 178 that he had developed ill feelings for McGregor.

At UFC 178, Conor McGregor knocked out Dustin Poirier inside two minutes of round one. While the Irishman went on to become the UFC's first double champion, going 6-2 in the next six years, 'The Diamond' worked hard and went 10-2-1 in the same period.

Their paths finally crossed once again in 2021 at UFC 257, and it seemed as if Dustin Poirier had been waiting for that moment all the while.

Conor McGregor suffers shock KO loss to Dustin Poirier https://t.co/TNkDFxUeDv pic.twitter.com/LuKE2rvxnD

— Sun Sport (@SunSport) January 24, 2021

At UFC 257, Dustin Poirier dominated Conor McGregor from the get-go before finally knocking him out in round two. He didn't just avenge his loss from 2014 but also handed the former 'champ-champ' the first KO loss of his MMA career. While the result was considered sort of an upset, it reinforced MMA fans' belief in karma.

Poirier and McGregor are now set to complete their trilogy at UFC 264, and MMA circles all over the world are split between who would win. While many betting platforms are predicting a close finish, some are marking Dustin Poirier as the favorite. 'The Diamond' has been more active in recent years ,and that is being considered a factor that could play in his favor at UFC 264.

Next stop...💎@DustinPoirier 🆚 @TheNotoriousMMA 🇮🇪 3🎰 T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas🔥 For all the marbles#UFC264 | July 10 | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/VcLA6fepBE

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 28, 2021

Poirier is also considered a good human being who has always carried himself professionally. He also helps society through his Good Fight Foundation.

On the other hand, Conor McGregor has always attracted the spotlight for disrespecting fellow MMA fighters and being a rebel. If Poirier wins the trilogy against McGregor, it will make for a perfect 'good vs evil' story with a happy ending.