Remember what happened the last time Nate Diaz filled in on short notice?
When UFC 196’s main event fell through, Nate Diaz answered the call.
On just 12 days’ notice, the Stockton native stepped in to fight the biggest superstar the sport has ever seen. Diaz entered into the bout against Conor McGregor as a heavy underdog. However, he defied the odds by beating ‘the Notorious’ to the ground, punching his head into a choke and squeezing until he felt the tap.
That submission victory launched Diaz into stardom. Although, it’s been difficult to quantify his ability to draw eyes without his greatest rival as he has yet to fight again since the McGregor bouts.
However, just after he indicated he wants to return the Octagon, opportunity has knocked once again.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! #UFC222 https://t.co/CX0BqunGc8
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 3, 2018
A pesky leg injury to Max Holloway has left the promotion scrambling to find a new headliner for UFC 222.Frankie Edgar, who was scheduled to fight ‘Blessed’ in Las Vegas, wants to remain on the card. However, it is understood that if the UFC offer ‘the Answer’ another fight for that event, it won’t be in the headline slot.
With a thin undercard featuring no bankable PPV draws, the UFC have to make something happen quickly. We’re six weeks out from fight night and TJ Dillashaw has already rejected the chance to headline. There were rumblings of bantamweight title fight rematch against Cody Garbrandt being offered as a replacement, but Dillashaw turned it down for a multitude of reasons.
One man who could save the card is Diaz. According to LA Times journalist Lance Pugmire, he’s game too.
The best option to fill in for the @BlessedMMA void at #UFC222 is @NateDiaz209 and he tells me he’s 💯 interested….make it happen @ufc
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) February 4, 2018
Eddie Alvarez, Kevin Lee and Cub Swanson are among the fighters who put themselves forward to welcome Diaz back. It is important to note though, that Diaz’s financial demands may get in the way.
The UFC tried to grant Diaz a welterweight title shot against Tyron Woodley last year. However, Diaz declined the offer that was apparently lower than what he was hoping for.
If Diaz comes back, you better believe he’s getting paid. Especially if it’s another short notice return.
