UFC President Dana White has stated that he believes he can get a number of huge stars to fight this year, one of them being Nick Diaz. Nick is still in some hot water with USADA right now over some whereabouts issues, but this can be easily solved. Once he’s cleared to fight, who will get the payday that comes with this fight? I think I have a few ideas.
1. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star the UFC has ever seen, and a superfight with Nick Diaz could generate some major revenue for the promotion. McGregor has headlined two of the highest selling pay-per-view events ever in his two fights with Nate Diaz, so why not go after the same success with his older brother? Nick is just as good everywhere, and is honestly better at talking trash and selling fights. This could be a valuable money making opportunity for all parties involved, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see it happen this year.
2. Tyron Woodley
Probably the most logical fight for Nick Diaz is the current Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. While Diaz doesn’t really deserve a title shot upon his return, we know that he can talk himself into big opportunities, as he did against both Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. I feel like this is a fight many fans wouldn’t mind seeing, and a money fight is certainly what both of these men want next.
3. Robbie Lawler
Come on, this is probably the most sought after rematch in UFC history. Everyone remembers when Nick Diaz knocked out Robbie Lawler back in the day, but the thing is he nipped him in the bud. Lawler went on to not only become UFC champion, but an absolute savage that will not stop coming forward until the fight is over. When they fought the first time, Diaz was in his prime and Lawler was just a prospect, meaning that a rematch could go much differently. With the recent setback he suffered at the hands of Rafael Dos Anjos, a window is open for Lawler to take a money fight, and none would be bigger than Nick Diaz.
4. Colby Covington
I mean, could you imagine the trash talk leading up to this fight? Making a match between two of the biggest talkers in the Welterweight division would be certain to generate unprecedented numbers for the UFC, and I’m willing to bet the fight would be just as good. Both men are well rounded and know how to get under people’s skin, which could make for an absolute war.
5. Jorge Masvidal
Perhaps two of the best boxers in the division, you can bet Masvidal and Diaz would put on a striking clinic against each other. While he’s not exactly a money fight, if Nick is going to get back to the top of the division, he would have to go through someone like Masvidal. They’re both tough as nails and impossible to put down, meaning that this would be a barn burner until the final bell, and the UFC needs more fights like that to take place.
6. Mike Perry
Mike Perry isn’t the biggest star under the UFC banner, but he’s already a fan favorite, and all he wants to do is put on the best fight possible. Putting him in the cage with someone like Nick Diaz would make for guaranteed fireworks, and could serve as a good tuneup fight for the former WEC champion. They’re both coming off of losing streaks and neither are ranked, so why not try to make the most exciting fight possible for both of these warriors?
7. Robert Whittaker
Nick Diaz is a big enough star that he may just come back to an immediate title shot, and the last division that he fought in was Middleweight. The current Middleweight champion is Robert Whittaker, so he may end up getting a fight with him. They’re both dynamic strikers who love to put on a show, and even though Diaz has been on the sidelines for a while, you better believe he’s always ready for a fight of this caliber.
8. Kelvin Gastelum
While Nick Diaz has rarely ever been knocked out in his career, having only two losses by TKO, Kelvin Gastelum has heaters for hands. A potential superfight between these two fan favorites could easily end in knockout or submission for either fighter, and that’s an exciting factor to have going into a bout. Sure, there are higher ranked fighters he could take on, but as far as people that may actually knock him out, who is more of a threat than Gastelum?
9. Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold has been talking a bunch of nonsense about moving up in weight after his recent knockout loss, but is that really a good idea? I think it would make more sense to fight a guy like Nick Diaz, who isn’t really strong enough to knock him out, yet is still dangerous with his volume and ground game. This fight could easily end in submission by either fighter, and I think it would be good to keep both of their names relevant.
10. Michael Bisping
Nick Diaz is looking for a fitting comeback fight, and Michael Bisping is looking for a fitting retirement, so why not let them fight each other? With their big mouths and excellent striking technique, this would be an excellent match to make, and an exciting fight for the fans. Bisping has been petitioning for this fight for a while, so if Nick wants to get a number next to his name, this may be the best move for him.