Five fights for Nate Diaz if he returns to the UFC
Nate Diaz is still on his victory tour after avenging his prior loss to Jorge Masvidal. The pair met in a boxing match that saw the Stockton star emerge victorious via majority decision. Now, Diaz's next time is of great interest to the combat sports, and he appears to be UFC-bound based on his own words.
If the promotion sees fit to welcome him back into the fold of elite MMA, Diaz will be gunning for the welterweight title. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to earn a crack at the belt given the depth of the division, his limitations, and his unwillingness to put in the kind of leg work that would justify a championship bout.
So, his plan to rematch a fighter as highly ranked as Leon Edwards, who defends the 170-pound strap this Saturday at UFC 304, is a pipe dream at best. Then what awaits the Stockton star if he does truly return?
#5. Nate Diaz vs. Joaquin Buckley
It's safe to say that Joaquin Buckley isn't on Nate Diaz's radar. However, he is an exciting action-fighter with one of the most jaw-dropping knockouts in UFC history, which was once enough to earn perennial journeyman Jorge Masvidal a career-changing fight with the Stockton star. Why should Buckley be any different?
Check out Joaquin Buckley's legendary knockout of Impa Kasanganay:
Buckley is ranked #11 in the welterweight division and is a trash-talker who drums up interest and would spark Diaz's rage with his brand of pre-fight buildup. Not only is it about Buckley being open due to Diaz's star power, but it is also one Diaz could consider due to Buckley's proximity to the top 10.
#4. Nate Diaz vs. Michael 'Venom' Page
Like Nate Diaz, Michael 'Venom' Page is in the twilight of his career. Moreover, the latter has name value, and due to his #13 ranking at welterweight, he is well within sight of fighters who are realistic options for Diaz. The fight would generate fan interest, as both men are showmen inside and outside the octagon.
Diaz has little respect for grapplers, and 'MVP' is exclusively a striker, such that he was even out grappled by Ian Garry of all fighters. It would be a fun standup affair that could serve as an easy co-main event at a pay-per-view, as Diaz is unlikely to accept a spot on a Fight Night card.
#3. Nate Diaz vs. Kevin Holland
Kevin Holland has quickly become a fan-favorite due to his willingness to step in on short notice, his all-action fighting style, knockout power, eccentric personality, and humorous trash talk. While not a star, he is a well-known name of which Nate Diaz couldn't possibly claim to be unaware.
More importantly, Holland has expressed a previous interest in fighting the Diaz brothers and was recently linked to a fight with Nick Diaz, who he turned down due to an Aug. date being too long a wait for him at the time. So, if he didn't fight the eldest Diaz brother, why not the youngest?
#2. Nate Diaz vs. Colby Covington
While Colby Covington has recently changed his tune about the Diaz brothers, he once aimed Nate Diaz, poking fun at the latter's slurred speech as a sign of low intelligence, among other things. He did so when the Stockton star was initially scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279.
Given the amount of title fight failures Covington has been a part of, especially after his toothless performance against Leon Edwards, he isn't expected to ever fight for UFC gold again. He also seems to be predominantly interested in lucrative fights, and few are as lucrative as the one with Diaz, least of all with their history.
The trash talk during the leadup to their bout would be vitriolic from Covington, running the risk of brawls with the trigger-happy entourage Diaz often has tagged along with him to press conferences. That alone would cause fan interest in the bout to skyrocket, and the UFC would find it difficult to ignore.
#1. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
There is no bout more synonymous with the Stockton star's career than Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor. The pair have fought each other twice, with their first outing ending in a shocking submission win for Diaz. The second matchup, though, was a majority decision win in the Irishman's favor.
Ever since then, the two men have been linked to a trilogy fight. Some have wondered if they could headline the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event on Sept. 14, but 'The Notorious' is currently headed toward a collision course with Michael Chandler. However, a trilogy bout remains a point of interest.
Whatever happens after McGregor's clash with Chandler will be fundamental to a possible rivalry-ending fight with Diaz. The matchup sells itself, and fans will eat it up with more eagerness than any other bout could draw.