Booked To Fight Gray Maynard, Nate Diaz Is Looking For Anthony Pettis

Last night, it was announced that UFC Lightweights Nick Diaz and Gray Maynard would face off at the “The Ultimate Fighter” 18 Finale in a trilogy rematch of their previous TUF and UFC brawls. The two fighters split their previous matches, with Diaz locking up a submission win over Maynard on TUF 5 before Maynard got his revenge with a split decision win at UFC Fight Night 20 in 2010.

However, it appears that Diaz is not all for the bout, and has another fight altogether in mind. After it was announced, Diaz took to twitter to voice his opinion about his next move:

Nah Fuck that I’m fightin Pettis

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) September 8, 2013

Diaz could be trying to be funny here, or stir the pot as he’s been known to do, or he could simply be trying to talk his way back into the title mix should he defeat Maynard once again. Maynard did go up one spot in the rankings to No.4 this week, so he’ll be a decided favorite over the No.7 Diaz.

Both fighters are in serious need of a win to stay relevant. Diaz dropped his last two to Benson Henderson and Josh Thomson, with the latter being an emphatic finish due to a headkick and strikes. Maynard was last seen getting knocked out by future title challenger T.J. Grant at UFC 160.

Diaz has looked largely ineffective against the best Lightweights in the Octagon as of late, so he may be looking to stir up some attention with his words rather than his fists. He most likely won’t be fighting Pettis anytime soon, but his bout against Maynard could turn out to be an exciting and telling contest. More on the scenario as it unfolds. 

Outer Photo: Kyle Terada for USA TODAY Sports