What To Do With Nate Diaz: Five Options for the UFC

Added on Sep 21, 2010 by Bill Jackson in

UFC & MMA

After completely destroying Marcus Davis in his second fight above lightweight, Nate Diaz is now a legitimate welterweight that people want to watch. Nate is an action fighter that is never in a dull fight. He made mention that there was still some unfinished business back at lightweight, but Dana White made it clear that Nate is staying at 170 and he clearly belongs there. There are a ton of options for his next fight, but here are five that I think make the most sense.

5. Anthony Johnson

Johnson hasn’t fought since the end of 2009 due to a knee injury he suffered in early 2010, though he has stated he will fight again this year. For such a big welterweight it seems making 170 after such a long layoff might be more work than it’s worth, but Johnson has stated he will remain at welterweight. A striking match with Diaz seems like as big of a fan fight as Johnson can be involved in. As long as he put on an entertaining performance, he would make his company happy. I do like Diaz’s chances in this one, but with Johnson’s power he is always in the fight.

4. Brian Foster

Brian Foster is as exciting and violent as any fighter in the sport. Most recently, Foster knocked out Forrest Petz just a minute into their fight at Ultimate Fight Night 22. Both Foster and Diaz always bring it and the winner of this potential match would be in line for big things at welterweight. This fight would be a must on any pay-per-view card.

3. Amir Sadollah

Though Amir appears to be facing Peter Sobotta at UFC 122, I can’t help but think the UFC has plans to pit him with Diaz somewhere down the road. If Diaz takes a layoff, it could happen next, but more likely this fight would make more sense with Amir coming off of a win. I can’t imagine this bout turning into anything other than a fifteen minute brawl.

2. Mike Swick

Swick is the kind of name that with a win could make Diaz a real contender at welterweight. Both have great chins, gifted hands, and seem to be at about the same place in the division. Diaz is coming off two impressive wins and Swick’s stock has been dropping of late. A win for either would put them up near the top contenders. Swick has stated that health issues have been the reason for his rocky past few fights, but claims that the issues are behind him now and won’t hinder him any longer.

1. Karo Parisyan

If you watched The Ultimate Fighter season 5, then you know why this fight is No. 1. Parisyan was a guest on the show and Diaz was a participant. At some point Parisyan rubbed Diaz the wrong way and they almost came to blows. Now that Diaz is at welterweight and Parisyan is back in the UFC, the fight makes sense. They would have plenty of build up footage from their clashes on the show, not to mention both are recognizable names. Parisyan also won a split-decision over Nate’s older brother, Nick. Both fight with a lot of emotion and this bout would be no different.