Nick Diaz has been in a state of semi-retirement for some time, but recent comments suggest that he could still be coaxed into returning to the Octagon.
“I don’t mind taking fights if its a big fight that people are going to make a big deal out of. If not then its not really worth it to me,” Diaz says in an interview in the latest edition of Fighters Only Magazine.
Reinforcing that statement is Diaz’s friend and training partner Gilbert Melendez who told reporters this week that in his opinion, “with the right opportunity, for the right thing, he’ll come out.”
Upon hearing that, Michael Bisping was quick to throw his hat into the ring, indicating that he’d be willing to take on the Stockton native if he fancied moving up a weight class.
“Well if Diaz wants a fight at 185 I would happily welcome him to the division,” Bisping told Ariel Helwani on Twitter.
The UK fighter isn’t exactly in a position to be arranging fights just yet as he’s currently battling back after a serious eye injury that at one stage threatened to end his career.
However, despite some recent backward steps, doctor’s are now far more optimistic about the way his eye is healing and it seems he will be able to continue to fight.
“They said 100-percent I will definitely fight again, and I should start to see some very, very rapid improvement in my vision pretty soon,” Bisping tells FOXSports.com. “I’ve been cleared to fight and I’ve been cleared to exercise again. So today is a good day. I’m a happy man.”
Is a fight with Diaz realistic though? While it may seem like wishful thinking, it’s a potential match-up that has caught the attention of someone who could turn it into a reality – UFC President, Dana White.
“I love that fight,” White told MMAJunkie earlier today.
