Why do you think Nate Diaz is not taking the fight with welterweight champ Tyron Woodley? Watch #TheMMABeat LIVE: https://t.co/11sYrEm5Ug pic.twitter.com/Zb0V5HQQ8O
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 16, 2017
When Nate Diaz started a training camp the same time at Tyron Woodley, speculation spread like wildfire. For awhile, it all seemed silly until confirmed reports starting circulating that it was a real option that the UFC was in negotiations to make happen. With as many problems that UFC 219 has had, combined with nearly all of the top 15 at welterweight being booked (or recently booked) in fights, the fight almost started to make sense. According to a recent report by Ariel Helwani though, don’t hold your breath on that crazy fight.
Any truth in the Diaz v Woodley? Pleassssseee say it is!!
— Rory Hogan (@rory_hogan) November 15, 2017
They tried/are trying, but confident in saying there’s nothing there right now. Long, long ways away. I wouldn’t get worked up about it at this point. https://t.co/Qe17byiC5l
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 16, 2017
With this bonkers match-up seemingly dead in the water, if Tyron Woodley does intend on fighting at UFC 219 it’s hard to see him not fighting Colby Covington. The surging welterweight contender has been relentless in his trash talk directed at the champ at every media outlet possible. Woodley has said to not be surprised if he fights before this year ends, as well as saying he could beat Covington with one arm due to his shoulder injury.
No better place to prove that than UFC 219, which still has no main event. Ticket sales were even pushed back a week due to the problematic card. Colby Covington is on a five-fight win streak and his last win is over Demian Maia, who just unsuccessfully challenged Tyron Woodley for the title.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 11/16/2017.