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Top 5 Options For Nick Diaz’s Next UFC Appearance

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By @RickLaFitte

Top 5 Options For Nick Diaz's Next UFC Appearance

Nick Diaz punches Anderson Silva during UFC 183 main event battle
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While Nick Diaz may end up being content to fade away for a considerable period again after a lucrative payday for his UFC 183 clash against Anderson Silva, his fans are undoubtedly hoping to see him return to action before the end of the year. With Diaz you just never know whether or not he wants to continue fighting. It's a tough call, but if Diaz opts to resume his career, here are the Top 5 options for his next UFC appearance.

5. Nick Diaz vs. Gegard Mousasi

Nick Diaz makes Octagon walk at UFC 183 in Las Vegas
Jayne Kamin-Oncea USA TODAY Sports

5. Nick Diaz vs. Gegard Mousasi

Nick Diaz makes Octagon walk at UFC 183 in Las Vegas
Jayne Kamin-Oncea USA TODAY Sports

If Diaz opts to stay at 185 pounds, a matchup against the dangerous Mousasi would represent an excellent test. “The Dreamcatcher” is fresh off a 70-second dismantling of Dan Henderson at UFC on FOX 14 in Sweden. He possesses the solid technical striking game, submission skills and sturdy chin that would make for an entertaining battle against Diaz. Both men are former Strikeforce champions.

4. Nick Diaz vs. Hector Lombard/Rory MacDonald winner

Nick Diaz taunts Anderson Silva at UFC 183
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4. Nick Diaz vs. Hector Lombard/Rory MacDonald winner

Nick Diaz taunts Anderson Silva at UFC 183
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This matchup would see Diaz have to return to his more familiar 170-pound weight class. A clash against the winner of the UFC 186 matchup between Lombard and MacDonald would provide an immediate opportunity for the Stockton native to work his way into the welterweight title picture again. Both "Showeather" and the "Red King" are top-5 contenders and serious title threats.

3. Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler 2

Nick Diaz at UFC 183 Post Fight Press Conference after his loss against Anderson Silva
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3. Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler 2

Nick Diaz at UFC 183 Post Fight Press Conference after his loss against Anderson Silva
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The only way this matchup would likely happen would be if Lawler were to lose his welterweight strap in his next bout. Diaz won’t be getting near another UFC welterweight title shot based on his current three-fight losing skid. He is the only man to ever stop “Ruthless” via strikes. Diaz registered a stunning second-round KO of Lawler back in 2004 at UFC 47. The revenge angle would be an intriguing storyline.

2. Nick Diaz vs. Michael Bisping

Nick Diaz kicks Georges St-Pierre during UFC 158 welterweight title clash
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2. Nick Diaz vs. Michael Bisping

Nick Diaz kicks Georges St-Pierre during UFC 158 welterweight title clash
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This middleweight matchup would certainly provide not only plenty of fireworks, but a ton of trash-talking as well. If Diaz is simply looking for fan-friendly, fun fights a matchup against “The Count” would fit the bill. Both men come to fight and are known for their offensive output. Bisping is as good as it gets when it comes to his ability to sell a fight. The long-time octagon mainstay faces C.B. Dollaway next at UFC 186.

1. Nick Diaz vs. Matt Brown

Nick Diaz punches Anderson Silva during UFC middleweight contest
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1. Nick Diaz vs. Matt Brown

Nick Diaz punches Anderson Silva during UFC middleweight contest
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This would be a dream welterweight clash because of the intensity and high level of violence that would be brought to the octagon. Diaz and Brown would be a tremendous matchup between two aggressive competitors who never take a backward step and possess granite chins. Brown already has a matchup set for UFC 185 against former champ Johny Hendricks, but a bout with Diaz would have truly classic potential.

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