Nick Diaz Promotions debuts June 22 in Stockton; Roberts, Banuelos booked

Recent UFC welterweight title challenger Nick Diaz‘s first foray into MMA promotion is a go, according to a press release issued today.

The first event of Diaz’s promotion, WAR MMA, is set for June 22 at the 10,000-seat Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif.

The event’s headliner features a welterweight contest between UFC vet and former “Skrap Pack” fighter Daniel Roberts (13-4) and Justin Baesman (12-4). A flyweight bout between WEC vet Antonio Banuelos (20-9-1) and Benny Vinson (4-1) co-headlines.

Diaz lawyer Jonathan Tweedale told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the promotion plans to make the event available to MMA websites via online streaming.

California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster said Diaz today completed his paperwork to become a licensed promoter in the state. He will now be required to appear in person or via phone at the CSAC’s next commission meeting, which takes place June 10 in Los Angeles, to speak to commissioners before getting his license.

Notably, the event will utilize a modified ring instead of a cage, and elbow strikes will not be allowed on the ground.

“These rules are in place to encourage grapplers to advance their position instead of stalling,” the release stated.

Diaz, of course, is currently retired following an unsuccessful bid for Georges St-Pierre‘s welterweight title at UFC 158.

Diaz and his brother, Nate Diaz, as well as Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields, formed a group affiliated with Cesar Gracie that included Roberts.

Confirmed matchups for the summer card include:

• Justin Baesman vs. Daniel Roberts
• Antonio Banuelos vs. Benny Vinson
• Caleb Mitchell vs. Evan Esguerra
• Roy Boughton vs. Liron Wilson
• Mike Persons vs. Clayton McKinney
• Darin Cooley vs. Cody Gibson