Nick Diaz Free To Fight Again, UFN 92 Fight Primer, UFN 96 Card Adds Several Fights
- Yair Rodriguez is viewed as one of the top prospects in MMA today and the UFC will push him into his first main event spotlight this Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 92 against Alex Caceres.
If you have yet to see "El Pantera" in action, here is a perfect time. Rodriguez scored a finish vs. Andre Fili in this fight replay that you can view above.
Rodriguez-Caceres takes place from Salt Lake City, Utah and airs live on FOX Sports 1.
- The 18-month suspension handed down to Nick Diaz by the Nevada Athletic Commission is now complete. So, when can we expect to see the former Strikeforce champion inside the Octagon? That could be a while.
Diaz, who last fought in 2015 when he lost to Anderson Silva, told TMZ Sports that he doesn't really need to fight again to make a living. Over 13 UFC fights, Diaz has gone 7-6 and is 26-9 overall in his career.
"I always want to fight the best guys, but the thing is, I'm on top," Diaz said. "I'm the one on top. They're dropping my name. I don't need no fake (expletive) piece of plastic (referring to the belt). Everybody wants to do a fight with me. Champions at 170, champions at 185. If they make me an offer I can't refuse, (I'll return to fight). But I doubt that's going to happen."
Tyron Woodley, who won the welterweight title with a victory over Robbie Lawler this past weekend at UFC 201, called out Diaz that night. Nate Diaz, Nick's brother, fights Conor McGregor this month at UFC 202.
- The UFC's return to Portland is rapidly filling up, as several bouts were announced recently. The card, which takes place October 1 from Portland's Moda Center, will air on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass, but no main event was confirmed during the recent announcements.
Among the additions to the fight card include former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira, Josh Burkman vs. Bobby Green and Louis Smolka vs. Sergio Pettis.
The last time the UFC was in Oregon came in 2009 for UFC 102. That card featured Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeating Randy Couture in the main event.