Nick Diaz is still a month-and-a-half away from re-entering the Octagon and he’s already stealing headlines.
The former Strikeforce welterweight champion vacated his title earlier this year in order to vie for the UFC’s strap. He was originally pitted against UFC titleholder Georges St-Pierre, where the two were expected to meet at UFC 137 this October, serving as the main event of the evening.
However, Diaz was subsequently removed from headlining duties when the always-controversial fighter no-showed two pre-fight press conferences in Toronto and Las Vegas. The promotion was forced to seek a more responsible replacement and it found that in budding contender Carlos Condit.
“The Natural Born Killer” was pulled from his co-headlining duties with B.J. Penn in order to vie for the 170-pound belt. Diaz was later rebooked for the event to take on Penn, reasserting his place within the organization after much speculation brewed as to Diaz’ fledgling future.
Now after all the drama has ensued, if Diaz proves victorious against Penn, why should he be allowed to vie once again for the title?