Could Nate Diaz be next for UFC champion Kamaru Usman?

I know that many eyebrows went up reading that title. Could the UFC actually give Nate Diaz (20-13) the next shot at the welterweight title. I can already imagine the confusion and the questions from UFC fans.

How in the world does Nate Diaz deserve a shot at Kamaru Usman (19-1)? Would the promotion actually give Diaz a shot over Colby Covington (16-2) and Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC)? Keep in mind, Edwards just dominated Diaz back at UFC 263 despite a last minute rally by Diaz.

Where is the speculation coming from? Well it all starts with the UFC welterweight champion’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. Abdelaziz has been vocal that he doesn’t want to see his client face top contender Colby Covington next.

The word from the Usman camp is that Covington hasn’t done enough to earn a title shot next. UFC president Dana White has been vocal that Colby Covington and nobody else is next for the welterweight champion.

So, where does Nate Diaz fit into all of this? Well, Diaz and Usman have had some back-and-forth on social media and the speculation of a future UFC title match between the two was fueled by Abdelaziz. Usman’s manager tweeted out that Diaz should be next over Colby Covington. 

Would the UFC give the shot to Diaz over Covington/Edwards?

If Nate Diaz would’ve defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 263, there’s a very high chance he would’ve jumped Colby Covington. Diaz is by far one of the biggest stars in the entire sport. When he fights, people watch and millions would want to see him fight for the title.

However, outside of general fan interest, there is no argument for Diaz deserving a UFC title shot. Regardless of what the Usman camp says, Colby Covington is the toughest fight for him at 170 pounds.

Heading into their fifth round at UFC 245, the fight couldn’t have been closer. One judge had Covington up three rounds to one so if they would’ve made it to the final bell, Usman would’ve only won a split decision.

Usman would definitely be the favorite, but Covington is a very tough fight for him. I’m a massive Nate Diaz fan, but if he gets the next title shot after back-to-back losses at welterweight to Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards, I would be at a loss for words.

The UFC should book Diaz in a rematch with Masvidal if they want a big fight. Covington – Usman is the fight to make and I really don’t think Dana White is going to entertain anything else at the moment.