Nick Diaz likely won't get immediate title shot after suspension is over

It's nearly a year since Georges St. Pierre was supposed to fight Nick Diaz at UFC 137 for the Welterweight championship. Diaz blew his chance following a tragic imaginary plane crash thwarting his efforts to make scheduled media appearances, and GSP injured his knee. When Diaz bloodied up B.J. Penn in the re-tooled main event, the next date was UFC 143. Unfortunately, another GSP knee injury set up an interim title fight between Diaz and Carlos Condit, which Diaz lost. Now on suspension after failing the post-fight drug test, Dana White discussed Nick's future in the division and it looks like he won't get an immediate title shot against the GSP/Condit winner. Via MMA Fighting:

However, according to UFC President Dana White, the Stockton brawler will likely have to battle his way back up the welterweight ranks before he sees another shot at the title.

"When Diaz gets off of suspension, he'll probably fight against one of the top guys at 170 pounds, and then we'll see what happens," White said on Wednesday's conference call.

Welterweight is arguably one of the deepest divisions in MMA today, and there are so many great fights I can think of for Diaz (not that it's terribly difficult). Jon Fitch, Jake Ellenberger, or even Josh Koscheck would all be incredibly entertaining and hopefully when Diaz returns he is in a five-rounder, title fight or not.

Unfortunately for Nick, any talk surrounding his immediate future will involve him and his ongoing battle with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

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