Nick Diaz will have to fight top contender before earning UFC title shot

For all his charms, Nick Diaz has quickly become one of the most popular fighters on the UFC rosters. And in light of recent announcements regarding Alistair Overeem and Chael Sonnen, it wouldn't be without precedent to see Diaz return from a one-year suspension to an instant shot against the winner of Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit.

However, according to UFC President Dana White, the Stockton brawler will likely have to battle his way back up the welterweight ranks before he sees another shot at the title.

"When Diaz gets off of suspension, he'll probably fight against one of the top guys at 170 pounds, and then we'll see what happens," White said on Wednesday's conference call.

An opportunity to test himself against St-Pierre was the reason Diaz re-signed with the UFC last year, and the match-up nearly came to fruition twice, before a series of missed media opportunities and St-Pierre's ACL injury derailed any plans.
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Well yeah; that's to be expected. Overeem won his last fight before being suspended, and Sonnen lost his, but wasn't suspended thereafter. Diaz was both defeated and suspended. I have no illusions of him getting an immediate title shot when he comes back. Fighting a top 5 guy makes sense.
However, this is Dana White we're talking about. If he wants to see Diaz vs GSP, we're gonna see Diaz vs GSP.

Sonnen didnt have to defeat a top guy to get another title shot

Nope. He just had to lose to a top guy.

Same with Edgar.

FistK wrote:

Sonnen didnt have to defeat a top guy to get another title shot

Yeah, well that's what I'm saying.
Sonnen lost, but didn't get suspended. Diaz did both. he has no leg to stand on right now.

Unfortunately, the top of the list at WW is currently filled with elite wrestlers, and I don't like Diaz's chances against a fighter that's just gonna hold him down and wait for the bell.

I think Diaz is one of those guy's who's good enough to beat everyone ,but maybe the top 2 guys. Even though I don't like his personality the guy's a great fighter. I'm kind of interested in a Condit rematch.

^^
Agree. And like I said, wrestling is his biggest weakness. But honestly, when's the last time someone tried to take him down? Maybe he's much improved since the old days. I hope so, because Fitch, Koscheck, Hendricks, and Ellenberger aren't even going to attempt to stand with him, and that could be a recipe for a Lay-n-Pray bonanza.