UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley has been pining for an opportunity to face Nate Diaz in the Octagon.
The fight could be closer to happening than ever before because Woodley says discussions are under way to make the bout a reality.
?I think that fight will happen,? Woodley told ESPN. ?I think it will happen this year. I think it?s way more likely than people realize. There are conversations about Nate and I fighting in July. The UFC has offered Nate that fight. They just have to make it worth his while. I think I?ll fight Nate this year, and I think it will be my return to the Octagon. If I had to bet the house on it, that?s my next opponent.?
Woodley hasn?t stepped into the Octagon since defeating Demian Maia at UFC 214, while Diaz hasn?t competed since a loss to UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor at UFC 202.
Diaz has already teased a return to action a short time ago and he calls Woodley the best option for his return to the Octagon.
?I?m getting to the point where I?m sick of not fighting. I?m not getting any younger,? Diaz said to ESPN. ?I put that tweet out saying I wanted to fight in May or June, but I didn?t say who because I was weighing my options. And now, Woodley is my best option.?
Former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos was named next for Woodley by UFC President Dana White and the Brazilian took to Twitter to share his disgust with a potential Woodley/Diaz encounter:
If the bout were to happen in July like Woodley said it could, a potential landing spot for the encounter would be UFC 226.