Nick Diaz is as controversial as they come. He skips press conferences, gets into gang-style brawls the moment he feels slightly disrespected and has no issues in speaking his mind at any point in time.
The only attribute that matches the brashness of Diaz is his well-rounded talent inside the cage. Leaving Strikeforce with their welterweight championship and a 10-fight winning streak, the Cesar Gracie student then outclassed UFC legend BJ Penn in his organizational return.
When an injury to Georges St-Pierre delayed Diaz’s title shot for a second time, a bout with Carlos Condit for the interim championship was booked for UFC 142. Although Diaz lost the decision, fan debate over scoring criteria led to a second meeting for the two.
After a post-fight urinalysis came back positive for marijuana metabolites, the rematch was scrapped and Diaz was slapped with a one-year suspension, as well as a fine of nearly $80,000.
With the Stockton bad boy eligible to return in February, the UFC should already be looking into an opponent for as early as Superbowl weekend.
Here are six options for Nick Diaz to face immediately upon his return.