Nick Diazs 18-month drug suspension officially expired on Monday, clearing the path for the UFC welterweight to resume competition for the first time since January 2015.Originally the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Diaz (26-9) five years for testing positive for marijuana metabolites in a fight-night test, his third marijuana-related offense in the state. The circumstances of the test were puzzling, however, as Diaz was tested three separate times on fight night, two of which came back clean. The suspension was ultimately reduced to 18 months.On Monday, Diaz, 32, said the suspension was actually something of a blessing in disguise and hes in no rush to accept the first fight offered to him.What can I say? For me, this is a curse, Diaz told ESPN. I havent been fanatical about being an MMA fighter since I turned pro [in 2001].There are ups and downs with that, being suspended. People dont understand, Ive had 37 fights, three to five fights every year, for 17 years. That does something to somebody. These suspensions are the only vacations Ive ever had. It cost me a lot of money to have a vacation, basically. Its nice to step back and see theres more to life. [Before], I didnt do any hanging out, drinking, meeting people, going to different places -- unless it was for a fight.Despite the fact hed been suspended 18 months, Diaz already has had one call-out -- and more are certain to follow.Newly crowned welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (16-3) immediately called out Diaz after defeating Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 last weekend. Former champion (and a previous Diaz opponent) Georges St-Pierre has repeatedly hinted he is interested in coming out of retirement. There would be plenty of fan interest in a rematch between St-Pierre and Diaz, who fought in March 2013. St-Pierre won via decision.Diaz also has history with Lawler. The two fought a highly entertaining bout at UFC 47 in April 2004, with Diaz winning via knockout. Fans have clamored for a rematch since.For his part, Diaz said he doesnt believe St-Pierres claims on coming back and added he didnt believe a fight with Lawler would be next because the former champion is coming off a first-round loss to Woodley.Were going to have to see, sit down and have a look at what fans want to see, Diaz said. Im on top right now. Im on top of this game. There aint no giving me a shot. Im giving somebody a shot. If anybodys getting a shot, somebodys getting a shot against me, because Im the guy to beat. These guys arent doing any money fighting each other, and until they do some money fighting each other, Im not interested. Im looking for the right guy to make the right show, do the right numbers. Then we can talk.Well see. I have to talk about these things. Im not trying to do any what Im going to do, what Im not going to do through the media. Im just here to say, Look, Im not suspended no more. These guys are talking about me, asking how I feel about it -- I could care less. What are you guys gonna do for me? I cant help you. You cant help yourself. You need to go help yourself. Maybe after you do that, we can have some sort of deal.Since Diazs last fight, the UFC has partnered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency to launch a new drug-testing program. The policy calls for year-round random drug testing and requires athletes to inform USADA at all times of their whereabouts.Diaz revealed hes already run into issues with the program, saying that USADA went to his house when he wasnt home. According to his manager, Lloyd Pierson, the matter was quickly resolved and did not result in a potential violation. Pierson said meeting the terms of the whereabouts policy would be a nonissue regarding Diazs potential return.For now, that return remains potential, according to Diaz. Hes not in a hurry to get back into a fight, but certainly the right one would likely pull him back. The question now is, which fight is that?I dont need none of this s---, Diaz said. I walk around -- people know who I am. Ive got friends. I can make ends meet. I grew up around people who have been hustling from the start, so I think Ive got a bright little future ahead of me -- especially if I dont fight. Why would I want to go out there and fight with somebody, get my face punched and kicked. Its not my idea of a good time. Cheap Adidas Canucks Jerseys . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. 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NEW YORK -- An early September series last season between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals laid the groundwork for the Mets trip to the World Series while spelling the end of the Nationals playoff hopes.Washington hopes to return the favor this weekend.The National League East-leading Nationals head to New York on Friday for the opener of a three-game series at Citi Field. Washington, which was off Thursday, enters on a three-game winning streak following a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies this week. The Mets had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 6-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.Unlike a year ago, the NL East is not up for grabs as September begins. Last season, New York entered a three-game series that began on Labor Day with a four-game lead but swept Washington and never trailed by fewer than six games the rest of the way.Now, the Nationals (78-55) lead the second-place Mets (69-65) by 9 1/2 games and are already playing with October in mind. The Nationals/Montreal Expos franchise has not won a playoff series since 1981, the longest drought in the big four sports.I think were starting to jell a little bit, Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth said Wednesday following Washingtons 2-1 win over the Phillies. Once we get into about halfway through September, I hope were hitting on all cylinders and we can carry that through as long as we can.While a second consecutive division title appears out of reach, the Mets also enter the weekend with hopes of reaching the postseason. New York won nine of its past 12 games to move within two games of the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the NLs second willd card.ddddddddddddIf the Mets are to return to the playoffs, they will have to do so with a piecemeal roster. Five of the 10 players who took the field against the Kansas City Royals on Opening Day are out for the season, including second baseman Neil Walker, who confirmed Thursday he soon will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back.In addition, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (left knee) and left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (right quad) were each on the disabled list in August are likely going to need semi-regular days off down the stretch. Neither player started Thursday, though Cabrera hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the ninth, an inning after Cespedes struck out as a pinch hitter.Its a tough situation -- thats exactly what it is, Mets manager Terry Collins said. Thats part of the gig, and thats why weve got backup players here.Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound Friday against Nationals right-hander A.J. Cole (0-1, 4.97 ERA).Syndergaard, who ranks third in the NL in ERA, has allowed a total of three earned runs while winning each of his past three starts. In three starts against the Nationals this year, he is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA. He has a 2-2 record and a 3.12 ERA in six career starts vs. Washington.Cole, who will be making his third start of the season and his fourth as a major-leaguer, has never faced the Mets. In his most recent outing, he gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings during a no-decision against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. ' ' '