This would be another huge payday for Nate Diaz.
Fresh off his surprise UFC 196 victory over Conor McGregor – after which he lamented the failure of the promotion to offer other fighters like himself the same path to stardom afforded to the Notorious – Diaz looks set to have his wish granted.
His submission triumph over the featherweight champion has propelled the well-followed Californian to new heights and almost certain pay-per-view main event status for the near future.
Conor McGregor mooted a potential Diaz challenge for the lightweight belt held by Rafael dos Anjos as the possible precursor to a rematch between the two, but UFC president Dana White seemingly has other ideas, floating a welterweight fight against 170lb champion Robbie Lawler.
It’s a fight that was reportedly being lined up for McGregor, should he have beaten Diaz, but despite a wide array of contenders already in that division, UFC bosses could now give the shot to Diaz.
White told ESPN:Â “You know what would make a lot of sense? This isn’t the fight I’m making, I’m just saying, [Diaz] and Robbie Lawler would make a lot of sense.
“His brother beat [Lawler]. Robbie’s now the world champion and Nate became very, very popular tonight. We’ll see what happens with Nate, but listen, for me to try to predict what one of the Diaz brothers is going to do? Who knows?”
White isn’t alone, with UFC chief executive Lorenzo Fertitta also behind the idea of a Lawler-Diaz match-up.
Spoke to @lorenzofertitta about UFC 196 fallout. He says he likes the idea of @NateDiaz209 vs. @Ruthless_RL
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) March 6, 2016
