[ad_1]
Nate Diaz is currently without an opponent for his co-principal at UFC 230 next month at Madison Square Garden after his opponent Dustin Poirier withdrew with an undisclosed injury.
The injury was reported for the first time by Brett Okamoto (ESPN) and then by Ariel Helwani. This information was announced just hours after the UFC confirmed that Daniel Cormier would defend his heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis at the main event of UFC 230. which takes place on November 3rd.
Helwani later contacted Diaz, who declined to comment on the situation, without knowing if he would stay on the map.
Diaz, now ranked No. 10, was resuming his duties after more than two years of inactivity following the defeat of his majority decision against Conor McGregor at UFC 202 in August 2016. Both previously campaigned for a title fight of 165 pounds be the main event of the UFC 230.
However, UFC President, Dana White, denied the calls as he wanted a title fight as the main event, especially without introducing a weight class. between the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
The question now is whether the Stockton native would be willing to face another opponent with less than a month 's notice. Although we do not know how badly Diaz can draw without McGregor, it is certainly a draw that would nevertheless stimulate the pay-per-view movies for an event now presented. by Cormier.
White would have claimed later Diaz would be out of the map but things could change in an instant. There are certainly options for a backup opponent as well. Here are a few:
Kevin Lee
Kevin Lee is currently ranked # 5 in the lightweight rankings and was looking for the UFC Milwaukee title in December.
However, he will probably be eager to intervene against Diaz, not only because the salary will be larger and could potentially boost him in the rankings, but also because of the stylistic confrontation given by Lee's fighting skills.
Al Iaquinta
Al Iaquinta is another option, even though he seemed to be Lee's opponent at UFC Milwaukee. But considering his rank of No.9 and the fact that he comes from a defeat, it may not be a fight that seduces Diaz.
Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and a fight with Diaz would certainly delight fans and casuals, especially if they just hit.
Gaethje, currently ranked # 7, also just won a knockout win against James Vick in August, but after four fights in little over a year, he could look to take time rather than return to l & # 39; octagon.
Later, he tweeted that he wanted to be 100% s.He replaced Diaz.
Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson looks set to attempt the title for Khabib Nurmagomedov's title after his impressive victories at UFC 229 this weekend. But with the UFC likely to consider things from a business point of viewa lucrative revenge from McGregor may be preferred.
Ferguson had already called Diaz in the past and a win over him could further improve his profile for casual fans. He also did not suffer much damage against Anthony Pettis, so he would be medically cleansed.
Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal recently announced his intention to return to the lightweight division and was the first to propose replacing Poirier. However, he wants to do it in a welterweight fight with Diaz.
Diaz has struggled to make weight down before and so that may be good for him. The stylistic match would also excite the fans.
[ad_2]
Source link
