Is the return of Nate Diaz upon us? 

The UFC lightweight standout took to Instagram late Sunday evening to drop an intriguing picture for us. 

Donning boxing gloves, Diaz posted: 

The caption reads: 

"Good work wit my boy @luke_1er ... Back in action #beast" 

What, oh what, could that mean? Is the training partner back in action? Is Diaz just saying he's back in the gym getting some work in? 

Or... is Diaz making a comeback to the cage (or the ring)? 

Fight fans last saw Diaz in August 2016, when he was defeated via majority decision by Conor McGregor at UFC 202. The Fight of the Night effort catapulted Diaz's stock like never before, but he has yet to return to the cage to follow it up. 

Ranked No. 8 in the loaded UFC lightweight division, there's plenty of work for Diaz if he wants it. Most recently, though, Diaz called UFC President Dana White a "bitch" and told the promotion to ask nicely if it wants him to return. 

Did the UFC ask nicely? 

Fans can only hope so, as the MMA world is simply a better place with 209's finest.