Nick Diaz out of UFC 310 fight against Vicente Luque, Themba Gorimbo aims to step in

Nick Diaz is out of UFC 310.

Next month, Diaz was set to make his long-awaited return to the UFC in a welterweight contest again Vicente Luque at UFC 310; However, on Saturday, MMA Fighting confirmed that Diaz pulled out of the upcoming event and will be replaced by rising contender Themba Gorimbo. Alex Behunin was the first to report the news.

One of the most beloved figures in UFC history, the 41-year-old Diaz has fought just twice over the past decade. Most recently, Diaz lost to Robbie Lawler by TKO at UFC 266 after a six-year hiatus from the sport. He was originally scheduled to face Luque at UFC Abu Dhabi in August, but the fight was postponed due to travel issues for Diaz.

The 32-year-old Luque is on a tough run in his career at the moment. Still ranked as no. 14 in the UFC welterweight rankings, Luque has lost three of his last four fights, most recently being knocked out by Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlantic City.

Gorimbo seemed to know something like this could happen again as he lobbied earlier this month for the option to step in for Diaz if needed. Now “The Rock’s favorite fighter” gets his opportunity when he steps up against Luque, who is riding a four-fight winning streak.

UFC 310 takes place on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura.

Mike Heck and Damon Martin contributed to this report.