Nate Diaz Released a Statement on Twitter Claiming That He is Going to be Fighting Dustin Poirier for the 165lb Title… The UFC Have Moved to Deny it…
Now, this really would be interesting. Totally out of the blue, Nate Diaz has announced that he will be fighting Dustin Poirier at UFC 230 for the 165lb title. Hypothetically this would probably mean that they would fight in the main event (currently the card doesn’t have a headliner). It’s totally out of left field, but it would make a lot of sense.
Diaz was known to be extremely unhappy with the UFC after they overshadowed the news of his comeback by announcing Conor McGregor’s return against lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagamedov at the same press conference. He wants that trilogy fight, and if he were to beat Poirier and win a title, it would add some glitter to a potential contest.
However, don’t get too excited just yet. Respected MMA reporter Brett Okamoto has claimed that Dana White has denied any such deal has been made. White has been known to lie in the past – let’s be real – so there could be truth in this one!
I’m Happy to announce that I’m bringing a new weight devision to the Ufc I’ll be fighting the main event November 3rd in nyc against Dustin Poirier for the first ever 165lb belt superfighter devision I’m happy to be apart of history @ufc@danawhite
This would absolutely make sense. There have been calls for more divisions in the UFC forever. A 165 ‘Super Featherweight’ division is one of those that make the most sense, with the likes of Kevin Lee, Michael Chiesa, Diaz, Nurmagamedov and even McGregor all capable at competing healthily at this higher weight class. Welterweight is just a little bit too big when you have animals like Tyron Woodley and Darren Till who could fight at middleweight.
“I’m Happy to announce that I’m bringing a new weight devision to the Ufc,” Diaz wrote.
I’ll be fighting the main event November 3rd in nyc against Dustin Poirier for the first ever 165lb belt superfighter devision. I’m happy to be apart of history.”
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Massive Consequences
If Diaz were to win such a potential fight it could have massive consequences. A Nate Diaz with a belt is a much more attractive option for a potential trilogy fight against Conor McGregor because it kicks off the triple champion narrative. Even fellow former opponent Poirier could be an option – albeit less lucrative for ‘The Notorious.’
The likes of Kevin Lee could really unleash their potential as well. ‘The Motown Phenom’ has been incredibly vocal about his desire to be part of a 165lb division. He definitely has a bit of stardust about him and it makes sense for the UFC to create more options for themselves.
Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports.
Denial
However, according to Brett Okamoto, Dana White says nothing doing. You have to think though, that for Diaz to come out and say this, there must be some grain of truth behind it. Maybe he’s trying to pressure the UFC in doing the fight under his terms by getting public backing. Okamoto said:
“Just spoke to Dana White on the phone, he denied any plans of a 165-pound title fight at Madison Square Garden. Says he’s still working on a main event for UFC 230.”
There’s definitely more going to come out about this. Wait and see!
