Roy Jones Jr. Shifts Focus To Nick Diaz In Wake Of Anderson Silva Injury
When Anderson Silva’s leg gruesomely snapped in two during the second round of his rematch with Chris Weidman at last night’s UFC 168, hope of ever seeing “The Spider” in the Octagon went up in smoke. So did plans of booking Silva in a boxing match alongside legendary pugilist Roy Jones Jr.
Jones had hinted at a desire to face Silva in the sweet science at a future UFC event in Russia, but with Silva’s return doubtful at best, the boxing champion has already shifted his focus to another MMA fighter with a passion for pugilism.
That man is retired Nick Diaz, who was last seen losing a one-sided decision to former UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre at UFC 158 in March. Jones Jr. spoke up to MMAFighting.com to detail his desire to face Diaz, saying that he asked UFC president Dana White for the bout.
White told Jones Jr. that he would think about it so it’s all a bunch of speculation at this point in time. Diaz seems to be content in his retirement, declining a chance to face former nemesis Carlos Condit at UFC 171. One would have to think that with welterweight being blown wide open when GSP stepped away from the sport, Diaz’ best chance at success would still lie in the UFC 170-pound arena.
However, his pure boxing skills have always been regarded as some of the best in the cage. At just 30-years-old, he definitely has the age advantage on the now 44-year-old Jones Jr.
Should Diaz look to return, the UFC will most likely look to book him against any one of litany of worthy welterweight contenders. Would you be interested in seeing Diaz box Jones? Or would you rather have the Stockton native come back for another run at the 170-pound belt?
