Dana White says Nick Diaz will fight top Welterweight before title shot

It looks like if Nick Diaz does indeed make his return to the UFC Octagon, his long called-for title shot will have to wait until he beats a top-level opponent. Last seen in a razor-thin and controversial loss to Carlos Condit last February, Diaz stated he would retire from MMA. Either way, he was put on hold when he failed a test for marijuana metabolites, prompting his much-publicized battle and subsequent suspension with the NSAC. Dana White recently revealed the following:

“When Diaz gets off suspension, he’ll probably fight one of the top guys at 170 pounds,” White said Wednesday. “Then we’ll see what happens.” – via MMAJunkie.com

Diaz was then supposed to face Braulio Estima in a BJJ superfight, but was a no-show due to some discrepancies he had with the match. Always outspoken and standing firm in his beliefs, Diaz and famed trainer/head coach Cesar Gracie have recently been heard discussing a fight with Anderson Silva. Diaz has been quoted as saying that he felt it was ridiculous that Silva was fighting Stephan Bonnar instead of him. This bout is most likely very far from happening, if it ever does.  

While many fans would like to see Diaz face the winner of Condit-GSP immediately upon his return, this will not be the case. Alistair Overeem will receive a spring title shot after returning from his own suspension, but he won by convincing victory over Brock Lesnar in his last bout. Diaz lost, albeit closely. Diaz will be eligible to return in February, Overeem in late December. The UFC Welterweight division is chock-full of top-level fighters, who should be the man to welcome Nick Diaz back into the fray? Jake Ellenberger is a fighter that comes to mind who could give the fans a very exciting bout against Diaz. Perhaps he could face Jon Fitch now that he is back on the winner’s track.