Dana still interested in Nick Diaz

[tn94z]

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LAS VEGAS – Strikeforce welterweight champion and UFC veteran Nick Diaz (21-7) is not a fighter you'll hear UFC president Dana White bash. For now, anyway.

White told UFC fans today that he's still interested in Diaz, the older brother of current UFC lightweight Nate Diaz, just hours before the brash welterweight headlines DREAM.14 in Japan against Hayato Sakurai.

"I like Nick Diaz, and I've talked to Nick Diaz many times about coming back to the UFC," White said during a keynote speech at UFC Fan Expo 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

But there are conditions to White's interest – to say nothing of the Strikeforce contract Diaz currently holds.

"The problem with Nick Diaz is that he won't even play the game this much," White said. "You can't be crazy all the time."

As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) reported on Thursday, the 26-year-old Diaz is believed to be one of five fighters the Tennessee Athletic Commission recommended for a suspension and fine for his role in a post-fight melee that took place at the conclusion of the CBS-televised "Strikeforce: Nashville" event in April.

Nick and Nate Diaz were seen front and center in the brawl, though both later claimed they were merely defending themselves after Strikeforce welterweight Jason "Mayhem" Miller came into the cage and challenged middleweight champion Jake Shields.

In several interviews, White said he did not fault the Diaz brothers for their role in the brawl, and he did not take any punitive action against Nate Diaz.

Nick Diaz is 7-1 in professional competition since the UFC released him following a two-fight win streak at the end of 2006. His now-infamous post-UFC 57 brawl with opponent Joe Riggs at a Las Vegas hospital was cited by White as a major reason for his release.

White, however, does not doubt the older Diaz's talent.

"He's a real fighter; he's a tough guy," White said. "He's one of the best guys in the world at that weight division."

While the UFC president did not give the impression he is actively pursuing Diaz, he didn't close the door on the fighter rejoining the organization down the road.

"I get along very well with his brother, Nate, so we'll see what happens with Nick," White said. "I'm interested in Nick, and I've told Nick before, 'Nick, please, just play the game this much.

"We'll see what happens."

Come on Dana, make this happen!!! I know there are a lot of people that don't like Nick or Nate, but Nick is one of my all time favorites!!! I would love to see him back in the UFC.

[2-Swole]

TweetI like Nick..he is one of those guys that if he pulls it together and is on his game hang with ANYONE at his weight.