As he hinted after suffering a split decision loss to Gray Maynard at UFN 20 earlier this month, it looks like Nate Diaz (6-3 UFC) will indeed make move up to the welterweight division. Diaz’s first test at 170 lbs will come against Miletich-trained striker Rory Markham (1-1 UFC) who hasn’t seen action in over a year due to nagging injuries which also forced him out of a UFC 108 fight with Martin Kampmann. The report comes from MMA Junkie:
It didn’t take long for Nate Diaz to get the phone call.
The Stockton, Calif.-based Diaz (11-5 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is expected to make his welterweight debut at UFC 111, where he could meet Rory Markham (16-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at the March 27 show, a source close to the event told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
Although a few options are being discussed, Diaz vs. Markham is considered a frontrunner of the possible matchups.
Diaz has stated that the cut to 155 is rough for him, and he’d at least like to try out 170 and possibly move between the two weight classes in the future. Although he may be biting off a bit more than he can chew, Markham will at least provide a good first test for Diaz at welterweight. Markham certainly possesses knockout power in both his hands and feet, but he lacks the wrestling of Maynard, and if Diaz gets this to the floor, he stands a good chance at submitting him. Furthermore, as someone who’s had difficulties with past weight cuts as well, Markham may be at a cardio disadvantage here, so Diaz’s best strategy may be to avoid the big bombs early, and drag Markham to the mat when he tires.
[UPDATE] by Anton Tabuena – With the fight against Markham not yet finalized, Diego Sanchez says he wants to fight Nate Diaz at welterweight:
YES IM GOING BACK TO WELTERWEIGHT IM LOVING MY NEW DIET…
@NateDiaz209 i agree you go robbed… i hear your going up to 170 too i would love to welcome you to welterweight lets make it happen.
[UPDATE 2] by Anton Tabuena – mmaweekly says Nate Diaz & Rory Markham have agreed to the match up:
Independent sources close to the fight confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Monday that the fight is likely to happen when the promotion returns to New Jersey… It doesn’t appear that bout agreements for the fight have been issued, but sources tell MMAWeekly.com that verbal agreements are in place for the bout.
The ultra-stacked UFC 111 card now includes:
MAIN CARD –
- Georges St-Pierre vs. Dan Hardy
- Shane Carwin vs. Frank Mir
- Mark Bocek vs. Jim Miller
- Martin Kampmann vs. Ben Saunders
- Ricardo Funch vs. Matthew Riddle
- Jared Hamman vs. Rodney Wallace
- Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch
- Ricardo Almeida vs. Matt Brown
- Thomas Drwal vs. Rousimar Palhares
- Nate Diaz vs. Rory Markham
- Fabricio Camoes vs. Kurt Pellegrino
PRELIMS –
NOT YET CONFIRMED –