After being one of the most popular fighters in the UFC for a half decade, Nate Diaz finally became a household name with his stoppage of Conor McGregor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpSWtoI475U
That rear-naked choke earned Diaz a ton of cash and by all indications a welterweight title shot at UFC 200.
“You know what would make a lot of sense?” UFC president Dana White asked the ESPN panel post-fight at UFC 196. “This isn’t the fight I’m making, I’m just saying, [Diaz] and Robbie Lawler would make a lot of sense. His brother beat [Lawler]. Robbie’s now the world champion and Nate became very, very popular tonight. We’ll see what happens with Nate, but listen, for me to try to predict what one of the Diaz brothers is going to do? Who knows?” – Dana White
Many believed Conor would receive a title shot against Robbie Lawler at UFC 200 but with the loss it’s only right for Diaz to fill that spot. The only thing that could keep this from coming to fruition is the ongoing talks between GSP and the UFC.
GSP never lost his title and if he decides to announce his return he’ll step in the title picture.
Until that point Diaz is in the driver’s seat for a shot at the belt and the real loser of UFC 196 is lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos.