While an anticipated super-fight between Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz did not end up headlining UFC 137, there is a possibility they will square off in the near future.
While appearing as a guest on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani, Diaz’s manager Cesar Gracie believes that the Strikeforce welterweight champion should receive a title shot in favor of Carlos Condit.
Gracie said the only way Diaz could earn his title shot against the champion is if he were to dominate and finish his opponent, BJ Penn.
“There’s no question about it that I will ask for that if Nick has a tremendous performance and he can finish BJ, I would ask for that,” Gracie said.
A series of unfortunate events has led to Diaz and Penn meeting in the main event this weekend, a bout that neither fighter had any interest in; except due to the Hawaiian’s relationship with Diaz and his camp. However, Gracie spoke to Penn’s camp and the two sides came to a mutual agreement and the bout was finalized.
Gracie said that the amount of attention has increased on Diaz, after he was moved to the main event. An opportunity Diaz would surely like to take advantage of, especially if he is able to win in an impressive fashion over the former UFC lightweight champion.
“In some strange way, it worked out,” Gracie said, regarding the bout between Diaz and Penn.
Should Diaz earn a dominant victory this weekend, not only will he add some credibility to his name and solidify himself as a big draw with the company, but he will undoubtedly make a strong case to become the next contender for the UFC welterweight title.
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