Nick Diaz Withdraws from UFC 310, Themba Gorimbo Steps In Against Vicente Luque

Nick Diaz

Diaz’s Absence Leaves a Void

Nick Diaz’s return was one of the most talked-about storylines for UFC 310. After a hiatus of over three years, fans were eager to see how Diaz would perform against the ever-dangerous Luque. However, Diaz’s withdrawal leaves a significant void in the card, which has already seen several shake-ups.

Diaz last competed in September 2021 at UFC 266, suffering a third-round TKO loss to Robbie Lawler. His recent track record has been a far cry from his early dominance, with a streak of tough losses and a no-contest marring his legacy. Despite this, Diaz’s name still carries immense weight, drawing in both die-hard MMA fans and casual viewers.

Themba Gorimbo to the Rescue

Stepping in for Diaz is Themba Gorimbo, a rising star in the welterweight division. The Zimbabwean fighter boasts a professional record of 14-4 and is riding a four-fight winning streak, including two notable UFC victories against Ramiz Brahimaj and Niko Price. Gorimbo’s aggressive style and hunger to climb the ranks make him an exciting replacement.

Although Gorimbo’s inclusion brings intrigue to the matchup, it’s impossible to ignore the disappointment of losing the Diaz vs. Luque showdown. Luque, known for his fan-friendly fighting style, now faces an entirely different challenge in Gorimbo, a fighter with unique tools and momentum.

UFC 310’s Lineup Shifts

Diaz’s withdrawal is just one of several adjustments to the UFC 310 card. In the co-main event, Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad was forced to pull out due to a toe infection. This led title challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov to shift his focus to Ian Garry, creating another unexpected but compelling matchup.

Despite these changes, the card remains strong, headlined by a UFC Flyweight Championship bout between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Asakura. The reshuffled lineup has retained its depth, promising an action-packed night for fight fans.

What’s Next for Nick Diaz?

Diaz’s future in the UFC remains uncertain. After years of inactivity and a mixed record in recent performances, fans are left questioning whether the Stockton slugger will ever return to the form that made him a household name. For now, the focus shifts to UFC 310 and how the latest shake-ups will impact the night’s drama.

Will Gorimbo rise to the occasion and take a giant leap forward in his career? Or will Luque remind fans why he’s one of the most dangerous welterweights in the division? One thing’s for sure: UFC 310 promises plenty of surprises, even if it’s without one of its biggest stars.

Stay tuned to Fight.TV for updates on UFC 310 and all the latest MMA news!