Dana White reveals Nate Diaz intends to move to lightweight
Nate Diaz became one of the most popular fighters in the UFC over his 13 years with the company, but more so in the last five. When he stepped in to face Conor McGregor at UFC 196 and beat him, his stock skyrocketed. The rematch with McGregor had fans wanting more, and now after Dana White has stated that Diaz is expected to make the move down to lightweight fans may finally get that third fight between the two.
“It would put him in a really good position if he won the fight and the guy who he could potentially be fighting, I think it’s a great fight for him too,” White told Oscar Willis of The Mac Life on Diaz moving to lightweight.
Although White has not explained who Diaz could be fighting, there are many options available. In two weeks four of the top-ranked lightweights will face off against each other, all hoping to secure a shot at the title. Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Dan Hooker are all featured on the UFC 257 card on Jan. 23. Outside of that are Charles Oliveria, Justin Gaethje, and Tony Ferguson all in striking distance to the top and all waiting for opponents.
Diaz had his last shot in the Octagon when he took on Jorge Masvidal for the BMF title in November of 2019. After taking off the entire year of 2020, Diaz has expressed his desire to return, and now that White has confirmed this wish it seems that we will see Nate and perhaps his brother Nick Diaz later this year.
With the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s future still a bit unclear, maybe retired, maybe returning, the exact route to the top in limbo. All of the names mentioned could easily find themselves just a phone call away from a title shot and now with Diaz dropping to 155 pounds, you can include him in this mix of phenomenal company.
