Written by Derek Moody, August 11, 2016, at 1:26 a.m. Tweet to: @DerekMoody619
Finally the suspension of Nick Diaz has come to an end. Nick Diaz, along with his brother Nate, may have the biggest cult following aside from Conor McGregor and his fans haven’t been patiently waiting.
Originally being given a ridiculous five-year ban for marijuana use over the testing limit caused for many fans and fighters coming to his aid. Aside from the commission that suspended him, the suspension didn’t make sense to anyone. Eventually the five year ruling was reduced to 18 months which ended August 1st.
Many superfights were missed due to his suspension but his timing couldn’t have been any better. The newly crowned welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley, has made it known he wants a money fight and Nick Diaz is the guy for the fight.
Diaz isn’t exactly ranked to be in a title fight but neither is Dan Henderson who’ll be fighting for the middleweight title. The champion calling out an opponent and receiving the fight isn’t  unknown in the UFC. If the fight were to take place and Diaz won that would be one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.
Diaz has never cared about the belt but winning the belt would help with his financial issues he’s faced throughout his career. He’s always been a top fighter or champion and has never really been compensated to match his stardom. He’s been vocal about his brother needing money fights as well and Nate Diaz is about to have his second in a career spanning twelve years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8_5TzDJeGs
Diaz has always been known for having one of the best chins if not the best chin in MMA. He’s always fought the top guys and they’ve yet to stop him. Due to scar tissue he instantly bleeds when hit but it serves as a wake up call that it’s time to go to war.
Since rejoining the UFC in 2011, Diaz has went 1-2-1NC. His overall UFC record is 7-6-1NC with a huge knockout over Robbie Lawler which would have been a future fight had Lawler beat Woodley.
The Diaz Brothers are from the old school, stand and bang always moving forward era which is why people love them. Stylistically there aren’t many fighters like them other than follow Skrap Pack members.
His fight with Anderson Silva, which he originally lost, was overturned due to both failing post fight drug tests. Diaz put the entire middleweight and welterweight divisions on notice as he wasn’t once fazed by Silva who’s considered the GOAT.
Diaz is a hard fighter to emulate because he never tires, he’s great on his feet but loves to fight on his back. That serves as one of the deadliest combinations in mixed martial arts. When Diaz builds a rhythm it’s hard to stop the barrage of strikes, slaps and trash talking he delivers.
Potential Money Fights for Nick Diaz
Throughout his 15 year career, Diaz has always pursued the toughest fighters which has lead to his legendary status. His last four fights were against BJ Penn, Carlos Condit, Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. These could easily be considered super fights based on skill and popularity. For years these fights were only a fantasy for fight fans when arguing who’s the greatest in the sport.
Diaz vs Georges St-Pierre II
There was plenty of hype and bad blood surrounding the first encounter between the two. The second fight would surpass the original as these two have been away from the Octagon for quite some time now. GSP has been flirting with the idea of returning to the UFC and there isn’t a better opponent for him than Nick Diaz. They’ve already picked up where they left off with Diaz once again saying GSP is scared. To add more fuel to fire, he’s even made allegations of cheating regarding their first fight. This is the fight everyone wants to happen including the two fighters.
Diaz vs Robbie Lawler II
During Lawler’s first stint with the UFC he was the biggest prospect in the organization. Diaz handed Lawler his first knockout defeat and left the arena stealing all the hype Lawler came in with. A rematch has been talked about for several years and was finally close to happening. Lawler lost his title before Diaz was able to return to fighting. Lawler’s next move hasn’t been discussed as of yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQmREDRV83s
Diaz vs McGregor
Originally, Conor McGregor wanted to fight Nick Diaz but Diaz was suspended. So McGregor settled on little brother Nate Diaz. Nate Diaz only needed a round and a half to prove McGregor wasn’t ready for either brother. That would have and still could be the biggest payday for Diaz if he took that fight. For now that fight is off the table but could be back on. If McGregor destroyed Nate Diaz and they didn’t book a rubber match he may want big brother.
At the moment, it appears Diaz will pass on the Woodley fight. GSP may accept the Woodley fight at Madison Square Garden. GSP winning against Woodley would then set up a huge opportunity for Diaz if they fought for the title again. The money is out there as are the big name opponents. The decision is up to Nick Diaz at this point and hopefully he decides soon.
