Nick Diaz plans to make a 'end-of-year' return against Kamaru Uman, despite UFC boss Dana White telling him to retire

Nick Diaz, MMA legend, is aiming for an end-of year return to UFC - and he has set his sights on a showdown against Kamaru Usman, welterweight champion.

Since his fight against Robbie Lawler last September, the Strikeforce welterweight champion has not been seen in the octagon.

Diaz, 38 was defeated by Ruthless in the third round of TKO. However, Diaz said that he plans to fight and told TMZ: "We are working towards the end. It's something I am working on."

The former title challenger at 170 lbs is now only interested in UFC gold.

He stated that he didn't have to go into the ring and be raped by one of those young men anyway. It's not like I won't win.

"It's just that I don't feel motivated to fight someone [that'sn't a big name].

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"I want to fight for the title. I'm 38 and I don't want to do this.

Fan favorite Diaz hasn’t tasted victory for nearly 11 years, but is optimistic of beating the pound-for–pound king Usman.

He stated, "I think he'll beat me." It doesn't matter which way.

The oldest Diaz brother sent a message to The Nigerian Nightmare saying, "I think you can beat me." If they gave me a chance, I would love it. "I think I can beat yours."

Diaz was a shell of the fighter MMA lovers around the globe fell in love with during his UFC 266 rematch against Lawler - which he did after a SIX year layoff.

Dana White, UFC president, was impressed with the BJJ whizz’s performance, but would prefer to see him call it quits.

He said to ESPN late last year that despite how good he looked against Lawler or his actions after such a long layoff, he didn't believe Nick should fight.

It's not that I wasn't in favor of it. He is a mature man who can do what he likes.

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"I don't believe Nick does it because it is something he loves. It's something Nick has to do.

"I don't know, man. People ask me all the time, "What is the secret to success?" It is being happy and doing what your heart desires.