While his brother Nick has grabbed the lion’s share of the headlines this past year, it looks like it will be the younger Diaz to be the first of the brothers to receive a shot at UFC gold.
After a second round submission victory last night, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Nate Diaz has earned himself a shot at the lightweight title.
Champion Benson Henderson is set to fight former champ Frankie Edgar in August and White has stated that Diaz has agreed to remain on the sidelines and fight the winner.
“I’m just going to wait it out and see what happens” Diaz said at the post-fight press conference.
Some had speculated that Anthony Pettis would be next in line for a title shot and a possible rematch with Henderson, but it looks like the man known as “Showtime” will need an opponent in the interim while the Stockton native takes his turn.
Diaz became the first man to earn a stoppage victory over Miller last night, and is currently riding a three fight win streak since his return to lightweight. Diaz has been awarded a post-fight bonus in each of the victories, with submission of the night wins over Miller and Takanori Gomi and fight of the night in his victory over Donald Cerrone.
