Cesar Gracie is Confident Nick Diaz Will Return to MMA: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz shocked many MMA fans with his decision to retire after his UFC 143 loss to Carlos Condit. Diaz's failed post-fight drug test certainly didn't help things (he tested positive for Marijuana), and the Stockton native has been rather quiet ever since.

Diaz' trainer Cesar Gracie doesn't think Diaz is done with the sport of MMA, and he's confident he'll be able to get Diaz back into the cage.

"He's [Diaz] sick of the politics, the whole marijuana thing, the judges," Gracie said on Sherdog Radio Network's 'Beatdown' show. "It's kind of a weird thing, but let's face it: I'm not going to let that guy quit. I just don't see that happening. He's too good and he's too important in this sport, I think. If it's up to me, there's no way that's going to happen."

Even though Diaz is currently contemplating his future in MMA, he remains active in the gym, continuing his development as a fighter.

"I was with him last night," Gracie added. "He did a few rounds boxing. Nick's a martial artist. He's always in some kind of training. It drives him crazy not to be. He's always doing jiu-jitsu. He's always doing a little something. Mentally, he's doing great right now."

Diaz wasn't able to capture the Ultimate Fighting Championship's welterweight title against Condit at UFC 143, but he definitely brings a lot of excitement to the division. At only 28 years old, Diaz has a lot of fights left in him. And I have to agree with Gracie's assessment that he'll eventually get back inside the cage.

Diaz' remains one of the top welterweight fighters in the world, and I for one look forward to seeing him inside the Octagon with the likes of Georges St. Pierre.

For now, Diaz has to deal with his unfolding drama with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Given the complexity of his case, his punishment probably won't be as severe as many initially thought.

David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner that has watched and studied MMA for the past 7 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Sources:

Sherdog.com, "Cesar Gracie: I'm Not Going to Let Nick Diaz Retire"

Fight and fighter information from Sherdog.com

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