The career of Nate Diaz will take another turn on July 11th at UFC 189 as he takes on Matt Brown in a welterweight bout. Diaz who has primarily been a lightweight fighter for a majority of his career returns to the welterweight division where he previously went 2-2 in a short stint back in 2010-2011. News of the bout was first reported by Ariel Helwani on “UFC Tonight”.

Diaz has been somewhat of a mystery over the past year and a half. After defeating Gray Maynard in late 2014 he did not fight for over a year. The exile was self-imposed and during his year-long break he even asked for his release from the UFC. Diaz returned to action in December 2015 where he came in five pounds overweight for his bout against Rafael Dos Anjos. During the bout Diaz looked liked he wanted to be anywhere else in the world expect inside the octagon. During as post fight interview he repeatedly said that he needed the money and that was the only reason he fought that night. All but seven of his professional bouts have taken place inside the octagon. Fans have practically seen his entire career so all of his ups and downs have played out on MMA’s biggest stage.

Usually when a fighter moves to a different weight class it is because they need a fresh start. For Diaz maybe the second time around in the welterweight division will work out better for him. Diaz’ opponent Matt Brown who is riding a two fight losing streak previously had a seven fight win streak in the UFC which lead to a title shot against Robbie Lawler. Brown lost the bout by a decision and then went on to face former champion Johny Hendricks but again Brown came up short on the judges scorecards.

UFC 189 is scuttled to take place on July 11th and will have two title bouts on the line as Robbie Lawler defends his welterweight championship against Rory MacDonald in the co-main event and featherweight champion Jose Aldo will put his title on the line against Conor McGregor.