Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): Who should Nick Diaz fight next after defeating Paul Daley? Hansen, Amadi, Carter, Pelkey and Penick
Apr 14, 2011 - 9:25:15 PM ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): Who should Nick Diaz fight next after defeating Paul Daley? Hansen, Amadi, Carter, Pelkey and Penick

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Who do you want to see Nick Diaz fight next and why?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Nick Diaz needs to make his way to the UFC, because he's being wasted fighting against non-UFC welterweights.  Penn, Alves, Koscheck, Fitch, Story, Ellenberger, Swick, Johnson... doesn't matter to me which one.

JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Nick Diaz has firmly cemented himself as one of the most exciting fighters in MMA, however the question now is whether or not he’s the best. It's time to fight a wrestler, and Tyron Woodley fits that bill. However, beyond that fight Zuffa would likely have to entertain sending over a few welterweights to challenge Diaz because StrikeForce is fresh out of welterweights, credible or otherwise.

ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

Nick Diaz should defend his title against Tyron Woodley.  Woodley is ready, and he is impressive.  He is 8-0, a record that includes five submissions in a row (four of which came in the first round) and a TKO stoppage sandwiched between two decisions.  Diaz might have to use more of his game with Woodley as both fighters are comfortable standing or on the ground.

MATT PELKEY, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
 
I'd love to see Nick Diaz vs. any top-10 UFC welterweight, but I'm afraid he's stuck fighting the Tyron Woodley's of the world until his contract runs out. Fulfilling Strikeforce contracts is the UFC's number one priority right now because they don't want any loose ends when its time to fold up the Strikeforce brand just like Affliction, Pride, and the WEC. The last thing the UFC needs is a breach of contract lawsuit mucking things up. 

JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It's probably going to end up being Tyron Woodley, but there are so many bigger and better fights for him on the UFC's welterweight roster. It may not be probable at this point that the UFC would bring him over for a fight in the Octagon, but that doesn't mean they won't entertain the idea of sending someone into Strikeforce instead. With that idea on the table, I'd like to see someone the likes of Josh Koscheck be sent over to give him the biggest and best opponent he's faced in the last five years. This is not meant to disparage the young and talented prospect in Woodley, not in the least; the simple fact of the matter is that, while Woodley is 8-0, Diaz is simply several steps above the opponents he has been fighting. Diaz should be fighting a higher level of competition than he's relegated himself to over the last several years, and Zuffa's acquisition of Strikeforce should allow for that to take place.