TLDR
- Nick Diaz returned to light sparring with Jake Shields after celebrating one year of sobriety
- The 42-year-old completed a rehab stint and appeared healthy and smiling during training
- Diaz previously struggled with substance abuse that led to a public plea for help from his girlfriend
- Shields and Diaz were training partners for over 15 years and both held Strikeforce titles
- It remains unclear if Diaz will return to competition despite Jorge Masvidal expressing interest in a fight
Sources: MMA Weekly | Bloody Elbow
Nick Diaz has returned to training after reaching a one-year sobriety milestone and completing a recent stay in rehab. The 42-year-old Stockton native was seen sparring with longtime training partner Jake Shields in a session posted to social media on January 13.
The training session featured light sparring with minimal contact and grappling. Video footage shows Diaz smiling and laughing throughout the workout, a positive sign for those who have followed his recent health struggles.
Recovery Journey After Health Crisis
Diaz has faced serious challenges with substance abuse over the past year. His girlfriend previously made a public plea for help as his health rapidly declined.
Last month, Diaz returned home from a rehab facility and provided fans with an update on his recovery. He appeared healthy in photos and videos shared on social media.
The former Strikeforce welterweight champion has been working to rebuild his life after his time away from the sport. His return to training marks a positive step in his recovery process.
Training Partnership with Jake Shields
Shields expressed happiness about training with his friend again after the difficult period. “A little play sparring with Nick Diaz this morning,” Shields wrote on social media.
“Nick was my top training partner for over 15 years so it’s good to get back together and train,” Shields added in his post.
Nick Diaz returns to sparring after hitting sobriety landmarkhttps://t.co/EKMf0K4jnC
— MMAWeekly (@MMAWeeklycom) January 13, 2026
Diaz and Shields have a long history together in combat sports. The two fighters trained together as part of a close-knit team that included Gilbert Melendez and Nick’s younger brother Nate Diaz.
Both Diaz and Shields achieved major success during their prime fighting years. Diaz held the Strikeforce welterweight title while Shields captured the Strikeforce middleweight championship.
The training partners also earned several other world titles throughout their careers in various organizations. Their team became known for producing top-level fighters in multiple weight classes.
Diaz last competed in mixed martial arts in September 2021 when he faced Robbie Lawler at UFC 266. He lost that fight by third-round TKO after a 17-round career absence.
The Stockton fighter compiled a professional record of 26-10 over his career. He competed in organizations including Strikeforce, the UFC, Pride Fighting Championships, and EliteXC.
Jorge Masvidal recently named Diaz as one of his ideal opponents for a potential fight. However, at 42 years old and focused on his recovery, the likelihood of Diaz returning to competition remains unclear.
Diaz’s family, friends, and fans have expressed relief and support seeing him healthy and back in training. The video of his sparring session with Shields has been widely shared across social media platforms.
Shields and Diaz’s training session took place in the morning and lasted for an undisclosed amount of time. Both fighters appeared to be in good spirits throughout the workout.
