Nick Diaz is one of the most popular and recognizable UFC welterweights of all time. He has had an eventful career to say the least, facing legends like Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre. Not to mention fighters that went on to be huge stars in the sport such as Robbie Lawler.
It has been some time since Diaz stepped into the cage though as a crooked NSAC suspension for marijuana forced him into a long layoff. Diaz is finally primed for a comeback but who will he face when he steps back into the octagon?
6. Johnny Hendricks
This would be a clash between two veterans of MMA. Both fighters have been pillars of the sport during its fledgling years. They have especially been pivotal figures in the welterweight division.
If the UFC want to get some momentum behind Diaz ahead of a second run, they could match him with Hendricks as he would certainly win. There is an interesting narrative to this one but it could be an easy victory for Nick Diaz. This could be how you welcome Nick back into the UFC in a way that shows he is still a dominant 170 pounder.
5. Georges St-Pierre
There could be a fascinating narrative to a rematch with Georges St-Pierre. For starters, both fighters want to return to the UFC after a long lay-off. The promotional material would sell this fight as the homecoming of two legendary welterweights.
Furthermore, there was no love lost in their first encounter which took place in GSP's hometown. Diaz has even made claims that he was drugged to effect his performance in the first meeting. If the two met once again on neutral ground the issue of who is the best would be settled once and for all. No alleged corruption, no excuses, just fireworks.
4. Robbie Lawler
You might be unaware but Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler have met once before. The bout ended with Nick Diaz knocking Lawler out cold. Since then, Robbie Lawler has elevated himself to a completely different level. Robbie was a dominant champion, there is always so much to analyze in his performances. He is also durable as hell, his five round war with Rory MacDonald was one of the best welterweight championship fights of all time.
Diaz's career has gone through a metamorphosis since then too. He became an icon, taking part in dramatic matches with Carlos Condit; GSP; Anderson Silva and B.J. Penn. Lawler's destructive Tyson-esque style would match well with Nick's own boxing pedigree. Couple that with the fact that both fighters create exciting brawls and this could be a treat for the fans.
3. Chris Weidman
Diaz has fought at middleweight before, he took on Anderson Silva at UFC 183. If Nick were to return to the higher weight class, a bout with Weidman could be the thing to entice him.
This fight just makes a lot of sense to me, the two fighters have fully contrasting images and personalities. Chris Weidman is the family man, Captain America, a clean cut hero. Nick Diaz on the other hand, is the bad boy of MMA, an unpredictable gangster. The image of these two standing opposite one another just works in my head.
2. Donald Cerrone
'Cowboy' has been on a tear at welterweight of late. Cerrone has previously been a lightweight fighter but he has to cut a significant amount of weight to get down to 150 pounds. Welterweight is clearly a much healthier size for him which allows him to compete to the best of his ability.
Cerrone has been so entertaining and game to fight that he deserves a big bout. He is at a point in his career where the logical move is to book him in fun fights with big stars. We already know he is a killer so there is no need to pit him against people based on the rankings.
You can actually hear the cash register and see dollar signs when you think about this fight. It would be so lucrative. Diaz would have a challenge upon his return to prove that he can still hang with the best and Cerrone would be getting a richly deserved big opponent.
Furthermore, Cerrone has been friendly and cordial with his opponents up to this point, Diaz would be someone he could build up a rivalry with. Either way Donald Cerrone vs Nick Diaz is money.
1. Michael Bisping
This week Michael Bisping dropped Nick Diaz's name as someone he would like to fight at UFC 206 in Toronto. It was believed that the middleweight champion may face another returning legend in Georges St-Pierre. GSP has responded claiming that negotiations with the UFC are better, however, a fight is still unlikely.
Bisping has since said that the idea of fighting Nick Diaz on the December card intrigues him. This would be a great fight for the MMA fandom. This would be a throwdown between two unpredictable alpha males. The trash talk alone would be required viewing.
It would mean that 'The Count' had fought another legend of mixed martial arts. He has previously beaten Anderson Silva via unanimous decision and Dan Henderson in defense of the title.
For Nick Diaz, this would be the second weight class in which he has fought for the belt. He of course faced GSP for the welterweight championship at UFC 158. If Bisping wants to put the gold on the line this would elevate the card, rounding off an amazing year for the UFC. Diaz failed to capture the welterweight championship in 2013 but could he take the middleweight strap?
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