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Monday, Apr 22, 2013

Despite Back-to-Back Losses, Dana White Thinks Nate Diaz Should Remain at Lightweight

Nate Diaz

By FCF Staff

Heading into his UFC on FOX 7 bout with Josh Thomson Saturday night, Nate Diaz relayed that he intended to return to the welterweight division, where he fought just a couple of years ago. Diaz argued that he has already fought “everyone” at lightweight and that as a result, he was lacking motivation. Diaz may have also been considering the fact that his teammate Gilbert Melendez has arrived in the UFC lightweight division, and his welterweight brother Nick, appears to be done fighting for the time being.

In the end, Diaz was outgunned and stopped by Thomson this weekend, as a follow up to his unanimous decision loss to champion Benson Henderson in December. Despite the defeats at 155, UFC President Dana White doesn’t see a future for Diaz at 170 pounds. According to a report from MMA Junkie.com, the UFC executive stated:

“I think going to 170 is a big mistake,” said White. “There are big, strong guys at 170. You can make 155. Look what happened tonight at 155.”

Diaz’s move to welterweight in 2010 started out well, as the Stockton fighter scored victories over Marcus Davis and Rory Markham. The aggressive vet was outsized by Dong Hyun Kim and Rory MacDonald in his next two bouts, however, and lost both by unanimous decision.

Diaz proceeded to record impressive victories over Donald Cerrone, Jim Miller and Takanori Gomi in his return to lightweight, before fighting Henderson.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 10:22 am
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