Nick Diaz is Being Linked to a Fight Against a Former UFC Champion by His Own Team Mate…
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Nick Diaz in the Octagon. The older Diaz brother is a fan-favorite but has been out of action since 2015. The last time he actually won in the octagon was in October 2011, when he defeated BJ Penn.
Since then he’s tested positive twice for marijuana metabolites, landing him with a pair of lengthy bans. His most recent fight against Anderson Silva was overturned to a No-Contest after Silva was cited for steroid use and Diaz for marijuana.
Despite this, his mass appeal still endures. Diaz – and his younger brother Nate – are two of the most enigmatic personalities in the sport. Diaz was cited by USADA after failing three times to provide his whereabouts to the agency. However, since April 7 he has been cleared to compete and his potential next opponent is very exciting.
Make it Count
Although Diaz has fought primarily at welterweight throughout his career, he’s now 34 and the weight cut is getting tougher. However, his most recent appearance was at 185lbs and now it looks like he’s set to fight a second former middleweight champion in a row.
Michael Bisping has been heavily linked to face Diaz in the octagon. ‘The Count’ held the middleweight strap for about two years, defending once against Dan Henderson. However, he lost the belt to Georges St. Pierre and then two weeks later, was knocked out cold by Kelvin Gastelum.
Since then he’s made it clear that he may or may not have one last fight. What that means is if the money is right he’ll do one more, but if it isn’t he’s happy never to fight again. Diaz would be the perfect opponent.
Speculation Mounting
Nick Diaz’s own teammate Jake Shields has further fuelled speculation. As a source very close to the Californian, his word means something. He tweeted:
“Rumor Alert: Bisping vs. Nick Diaz In the Works”
The former UFC fighter now fights for the World Series of Fighting and is very active on social media, sharing news stories. As a longtime member of the Skrap Pack, you would expect that he wouldn’t say anything without Diaz’s permission. Fingers crossed anyway.
Makes Sense
It makes sense for both men. After a long spell on the sidelines, Diaz doesn’t want to face some vicious up and coming youngster. Bisping has had a superb career, but he’s just had two tough losses. Of course, if it is his final fight, ‘the Count’ is going to go out there with the intention of scorching Diaz. It has fight-of-the-night potential.
The fight should also be easy to sell. It’s the US vs the UK, with both men popular in their respective countries. The trash talk would also be unbelievable. Can you imagine the press conferences? Or if Diaz tried to ‘Stockton slap’ Bisping? It would be incredibly entertaining.
If Diaz wants to make an impact on the middleweight division, beating Bisping would be the perfect way to start off a good title run. Facing the Californian would also a genuinely great way for the British fighter to end his storied career. It’s a competitive fight that fans can get behind.
