It takes a lot to knock Nick Diaz off the front pages.
Georges St-Pierre did it with Monday's free-agency announcement, but not everyone failed to notice the news that one of the most popular fighters in the world is now "ready to go," according to UFC officials.
And you know what? The whole thing got us to thinking. If we were the matchmaking brain trust over at UFC HQ, how would we avail ourselves of the services of the elder Diaz? In response, Nathan McCarter and myself, Scott Harris, reasoned out these four potential opponents for Diaz's return.
Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone
At the top of the list, Donald Cerrone’s name should appear.
One of the big keys in booking Nick Diaz’s next fight is not just picking someone with a little bit of name recognition, but also someone who will bring the fight to Nick. Cerrone is just that type of fighter. It is a great way to have a marquee bout that will almost assuredly be exciting.
Cerrone has been magnificent since coming to 170. The stylistic matchup with Diaz should get everyone excited. There is also a small bit of backstory with Cerrone’s defeat to Nate Diaz that could be used for promotional purposes. It’s a perfect blend for the organization.
Perhaps even more importantly, it’s a welterweight tilt between two contenders. The winner would be in a great spot to either be in a title eliminator or title fight itself.
In selecting Diaz’s opponent, Cerrone’s name should have a bright yellow highlighter go across it.
—McCarter
Michael Bisping
Two great tastes that go great together. Imagine the lad from Manchester, England, and the kid from Stockton, California, incessantly accusing the other of performance-enhancing drugs use for weeks on end before the fight. Imagine the press conferences where they pretend(?) they can’t understand each other.
Then imagine the actual fight, a potentially thrilling five-round display of MMA boxing and toughness and bravado at its absolute finest.
Would you say that’s not fair? If the UFC hadn’t proved this ages ago, it's certainly proved recently that deserve’s got nothing to do with it. If you want to move the needle at middleweight, this is the fight you make.
—Harris
Vitor Belfort
Lest we forget what Diaz’s last bout was and its result. Personally, I don’t believe he should be gunning for a title fight. If he comes back at middleweight, Vitor Belfort is a great opponent for him to square off against.
Much like Cowboy, Belfort offers a style that should be an exciting complement to Diaz. And that’s what we are searching for here.
Belfort is also nearing the end of the line. A matchup against Diaz gives him at least one more premiere fight to ride off into the sunset on, win or lose. Uriah Hall is another name I would have thrown out, but Belfort is a better bet given his veteran status.
At middleweight, I like this fight more than most. Imagine Diaz dealing with Belfort’s speed while dealing out sickening body shots in his trademark style. I’d be giddy watching.
—McCarter
Robbie Lawler
No one can tell me with a straight face they wouldn't pay money to watch this rematch.
It was 2004 when Diaz knocked out a young Lawler all the way back at UFC 47. I don't know if you've noticed, but these guys are a little different now.
And yet, the basic factors of Diaz's all-around skills and Lawler's great power boxing are still present in the equation. Both of them have the gas tank to go five rounds. Imagine that.
—Harris
