Getty Nate Diaz poses on the scale during his weigh-in for UFC 202 at MGM Grand Conference Center on August 19, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
UFC president Dana White has an opponent in mind for fighting superstar Nate Diaz. Diaz hasn’t competed in the Octagon since November 2019, and although White didn’t reveal the name of the potential combatant to take on Diaz, White spoke about the weight division and stakes.
In a recent interview with The Mac Life’s Oscar Willis, White revealed that he has a potential fight lined up for Diaz at lightweight and should the fighter from Stockton, California win, he’ll be in a “really good position.”
“We’re working on a Nate Diaz fight right now,” White told Willis. White confirmed that the possible opponent isn’t No. 5 ranked lightweight Tony Ferguson.
“It would put him in a really good position if he won the fight,” White continued. “And the guy who he could potentially be fighting, I think it’s a great fight for him, too.”
‘I Think You’re Going to Like It,’ White Said If the Match Gets Made
It’s unclear who White is referring to as Diaz’s potential opponent. The two names Diaz has been linked to most often is No. 4 ranked lightweight Conor McGregor and No. 4 ranked welterweight Jorge Masvidal.
McGregor is currently scheduled to fight No. 2 ranked lightweight Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 on January 23. Masvidal does not have an opponent, however White has expressed interest in setting up Masvidal vs. No. 1 ranked welterweight Colby Covington.
Another interesting wrinkle is that the UFC wants to book Diaz at lightweight. Diaz hasn’t competed at 155 pounds since defeating Michael Johnson in December 2015. He moved back up to the welterweight division for his next fight and has competed at the weight class since.
The fact that White is is thinking about setting up a fight for Diaz is great news for fans. The UFC president recently said he hopes that Diaz fights in 2021 and this could be the next step toward making that happen.
“If we get it done, I think you’re going to like it,” White said.
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Diaz Would Likely Fight a Top-10 Lightweight, Names Could Include Gaethje, Felder & dos Anjos
Since the UFC is hoping to book Diaz at lightweight and White said the stakes are high for Diaz, there are a few opponents in the top 10 that could be exciting for fans. For example, Diaz vs. No. 1 ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje would likely be a barn burner of a match, however “The Highlight” has been linked to a fight with No. 3 ranked Charles Oliveira. On the other end, Diaz vs. Oliveira would be an electrifying scrap as well.
Diaz could find himself in the Octagon once again with former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. “RDA” and Diaz fought in December 2014 and the Brazilian won via unanimous decision. Six years later and it could be a thrilling rematch to watch with strong divisional stakes. RDA returned to lightweight in his last fight, defeating Paul Felder by unanimous decision. He is currently ranked at No. 7.
Another match that could make sense is Diaz vs. Felder. Although Felder is on a two-fight skid, he is still ranked No. 8 in the division and is a fan favorite with a striking style that would ensure fireworks.
Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson is top of the list for many fans, however White confirmed in the interview with Willis that the potential opponent isn’t “El Cucuy.”
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Nate Diaz’s Next Fight: ‘It Would Put Him in a Really Good Position’