In a world where Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz was the superfight that could change the course of the welterweight division, few were surprised to see the challenger taken down in the opening moments of the contest. Even fewer were surprised that Diaz would once again profess to the world his lack of desire to continue competing inside the Octagon.
Immediately following a failed bid to win the UFC Welterweight Championship, the Stockton bad boy told Joe Rogan that he wasn’t sure if this sport is what he wants anymore.
However, this isn’t the first time that Diaz has “retired” from the sport that made him famous. In February 2012, a loss to Carlos Condit prompted the same outcome. For that reason, it’s safe to operate under the assumption that Diaz isn’t ready to hang up the gloves for good.
With the possibility that we didn’t just see Nick compete for the final time, it’s important to take a look at what fights lay before him.
The welterweight division is full of dangerous talent, including striker Martin Kampmann, jiu-jitsu phenom Demian Maia and surging contender Jake Ellenberger. A fight with any of those men could serve as a co-main event on any card.
However, a fighter the caliber of Diaz demands a special sort of opponent. Someone who is immediately recognized by fans but can compete on the elite level is a must.
For that reason, the best opponent for Nick Diaz is none other than Josh Koscheck.
Koscheck called out Diaz in October in hopes of booking himself in a big-name fight on Super Bowl weekend. However, Koscheck instead met Robbie Lawler in a fight where he fell prey to an upset loss.
Both Koscheck and Diaz have the abrasive type of personality that draws viewers in. Should a matchup be booked, fans would tune in to see their favorite “bad guy” get the beating he deserves.
This is a fight that Koscheck wants. Listen to him preview the matchup and you will be immediately excited to see it go down.
I feel it would be a great fight for the fans, with a great buildup, and Nick brings a lot to the table. He’s a good fighter. He’s tough. He has that tenacity where it’s ‘It’s me against the world and %$#$ you!’ I have the same attitude. I enjoy fighting people who have the same attitude because they are going to come in, never give up, and they are going to stand in front of you and fight. Nick Diaz will absolutely do that.
A win for either fighter gets them out of their current funk and puts some momentum at their back. With both pugilists at the end of their competitive prime, the UFC needs to strike while the iron is hot.
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