Rejoice fight fans, Nick Diaz has had his five-year suspension reduced to 18 months which could potentially see him return to the Octagon in 2016.
Its unsure as to when in the year he will return, but looking at the UFC Welterweight landscape we have taken a look at five fighters who we would love to see Diaz fight in his return to the Octagon;
Carlos Condit
We already got to see this one back at UFC 143 but I certainly would be interesting in seeing these top Welterweights compete again. The fight had a lot of fans questioning the decision and whilst I agree with how the fight was scored I think the UFC could play on that to get the rematch signed. Condit is coming of another closely fought decision loss against Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler and another win over Diaz would definitely get him right back into the Title picture. Likewise, for Diaz, a win would project him back to potentially another UFC Welterweight Title shot.
Matt Brown
Brown was forced to withdraw from a bout with Kevin Gastelum due to an ankle injury, and in my eyes would be an ideal opponent for Diaz. Both these guys love to come forward and trade and you could bet your bottom dollar that neither man would be looking to score points with take-downs if this bout got signed. Diaz and Brown are always there or there about at the top of the 170lbs division and I think this is a fight that fans would certainly get behind.
Rory MacDonald
On the basis that MacDonald has finally recovered from his epic clash with Robbie Lawler at #UFC189, then why not get this one signed up? There is some history in this one aswell with MacDonald holding a win over Nick’s brother Nate at #UFC129 and you can be sure that Nick would be keen to avenge that loss for his brother. Either one of these men could challenge for the Title at a later date and I think the UFC could even use this as a Title eliminator. #UFC200? What do you think?
Donald Cerrone
Cerrone is looking to bounce back quickly following a loss to Rafael Dos Anjos for the Lightweight Title and has signed to make his Welterweight debut against Tim Means at UFC Fight Night 82. Cerrone and Diaz would certainly put on a striking clinic and much like Cerrone’s fight with Nick’s younger brother, would certainly not be short of some trash talking. I think the key to this one is how Cerrone gets on in his 170lbs debut, but on the basis he takes out Means, then why not get him to fight the other Diaz brother?
Jorge Masvidal
In my eyes Masvidal is another fighter just like Diaz who will constantly come forward and look for the finish in a fight and not look to edge out a decision win and that’s why I think this one makes perfect sense. Masvidal is coming off a tough split decision loss over Benson Henderson and is a real handful for any opponent at Lightweight or Welterweight. People may question his rankings, which I completely disagree with, but MMA fans know how talented this man is and he would certainly give Nick Diaz a run for his money.