Khabib Nurmagomedov: I Want Nate Diaz Next

Not many fighters in the UFC can boast an undefeated record.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of those that can, as the rising prospect earned his third victory inside the Octagon Saturday night over Thiago Tavares.

Nurmagomedov competes in one of the more stacked divisions the promotion boasts – lightweight – but he has an idea who would make for a perfect next opponent, as he told Fuel TV following his win.

“The next fight I really want is Nate Diaz.”

Diaz, of course, is coming off a loss to Benson Henderson in his own quest to become UFC champion. The Stocton bad boy was bested over five rounds, but exited the fight without any serious injuries.

Nurmagomedov (19-0) unleashed an all-out-assault on Tavares in Brazil Saturday, finishing him on the ground with a series of elbows.

 

Cesar Gracie Talks About His Proudest Fighters

Nick and Nate Diaz are the obvious prodigies when Cesar Gracie’s camp is discussed, but he says he’s just as glad to work with Gil Melendez and Jake Shields.

 

UFC On Fox 5 Medical Suspensions, Fighter Salaries Released

The Washington Department of Licensing has released both medical suspensions and fighter salaries for UFC on Fox 5. The card took place this past Saturday night from the KeyArena in Seattle.

Nine fighters were handed indefinite medical suspensions, including Nate Diaz, Alexander Gustsafsson and BJ Penn. As always, all suspensions can be cleared by a doctor.

As for salaries, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Penn led the way. The numbers below only cover the salary paid to the fighter that goes on the books, and does not include any bonus or locker room money paid.

UFC ON FOX 5 MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS

Nate Diaz suspended indefinitely, though an ENT doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 30 to 60 days (based on doctor’s opinion) with no contact for 30 days.

Alexander Gustafsson suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 30 days.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua suspended 30 days.

BJ Penn suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days.

Mike Swick suspended 60 days.

Jeremy Stephens suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 60 days.

Yves Edwards suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.

Raphael Assuncao suspended indefinitely, though an orthopedic doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended seven days.

Joe Proctor suspended indefinitely, though an ENT doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 60 days.

Ramsey Nijem suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 30 days.

Henry Martinez suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 60 days.

Marcus LeVesseur suspended 30 days.

Nam Phan suspended indefinitely, though a doctor can clear him early; regardless, suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days.

UFC ON FOX 5 FIGHTER SALARIES

Benson Henderson: $78,000 (includes $39,000 win bonus)

Nate Diaz: $50,000

Alexander Gustafsson: $60,000 (includes $30,000 win bonus)

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua: $175,000

Rory MacDonald: $42,000 (includes $21,000 win bonus)

BJ Penn: $150,000

Matt Brown: $54,000 (includes $27,000 win bonus)

Mike Swick: $48,000

Yves Edwards: $32,000 (includes $16,000 win bonus)

Jeremy Stephens: $24,000

Raphael Assuncao: $38,000 (includes $19,000 win bonus)

Mike Easton: $14,000

Ramsey Nijem: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus)

Joe Proctor: $8,000

Daron Cruickshank: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus)

Henry Martinez: $8,000

Abel Trujillo: $12,000 (includes $6,000 win bonus)

Marcus LeVesseur: $8,000

Dennis Siver: $62,000 (includes $31,000 win bonus)

Nam Phan: $10,000

Scott Jorgensen: $41,000 (includes $20,500 win bonus)

John Albert: $10,000

 

Nate Diaz Cites Eye Injury For His Performance Vs. Benson Henderson At UFC On Fox 5

Nate Diaz doesn’t typically make excuses. However, following his loss to UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson Saturday night at UFC on Fox 5, Diaz did just that.

“I got punched in the eye early in the fight and it got blurry,” said Diaz, during the post-fight press conference. “I waited for it to come back and then I thought I’d come back strong. Ben did great. He landed a shot early, I did what I could; my vision was blurry, I was screwed.”

Diaz was taken down at will by the bigger Henderson, and only landed 95 strikes to 183 from the champion.

“I was a soldier representing my team,” Diaz said. “I was trying to wait for the eye to recover, trying to see straight, and that’s what happens. Good fight, Ben.”

Photo credit: MMAFighting.com

 

UFC On Fox 5 5 Post-fight Interview: Ben Henderson

Ben talks about what he did to get ready for his battle with Nate Diaz, and he goes on to elaborate on his game plan.

 

Despite Loss, Cesar Gracie Is Proud Of Nate Diaz

Cesar talks about Nate’s performance but maintains that he thinks Nate did very well.

 

UFC On Fox 5 Results: Benson Henderson Successfully Defends UFC Lightweight Title

The UFC has put together a card filled with champions, legends and rising stars, as UFC on Fox 5 takes place tonight from the KeyArena in Seattle.

In the main event, Benson Henderson defends his UFC lightweight championship against Nate Diaz. After a slight issue with his weight, Diaz was able to get down to 155 to make the bout official on Friday.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua collides with Alexander Gustafsson in the co-main event, while BJ Penn returns from a year-long layoff to face Rory MacDonald.

You can follow all the ongoing action at our sister site, FightLine. Below are up-to-the-minute results:

UFC ON FOX: HENDERSON VS. DIAZ

Main Card

Benson Henderson def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-45, 50-45) to retain the UFC lightweight championship

Alexander Gustafsson def. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Rory MacDonald def. BJ Penn via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Matt Brown def. Mike Swick via KO (left-hook/right-hand) at 2:31 of Round 2

Preliminary Card

Yves Edwards def. Jeremy Stephens via TKO (strikes) at 1:55 of Round 1

Raphael Assuncao def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Ramsey Nijem def. Joe Proctor via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Daron Cruickshank def. Henry Martinez via KO (head kick) at 2:57 of Round 2

Abel Trujillo def. Marcus LeVesseur via TKO (knees to the body) at 3:56 of Round 2

Dennis Siver def. Nam Phan via unanimous decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-26)

Scott Jorgensen def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of Round 1

Photo credit: MMAFighting.com

 

Ben Henderon Wants To Fight Diaz Regarless Of Weigh-in Scare

Diaz may have almost missed weight, but that wasn’t about to stop Ben from taking him on regardless.

 

Benson Henderson Expects Aggressive Nate Diaz At UFC On Fox 5

UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson prefers fights where his opponent comes right out after him.

In each of his last two bouts – both wins – Henderson has had to employ a more counter-style attack, taking the belt from Frankie Edgar and then defending it against Edgar.

Now, with Nate Diaz his opponent standing across from him inside the Octagon, “Smooth” is anticipating an in-your-face fight tonight at UFC on Fox 5.

“Both of us are pretty aggressive. In my last two fights, I wasn’t able to come forward as much. Frankie, going forward, he is very elusive; you have to be smart about that,” said Henderson, during a pre-fight press conference earlier this week. “I like to go forward. He likes to go forward. We are pretty similar, we just go about it different ways. Once we get inside the Octagon, it is going to be fun.”

Henderson (17-2) has won each of his last five fights, while Diaz (16-7) earned his title shot by besting Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller after leaving the welterweight division.

Photo credit: MMAFighting.com

 

UFC On Fox 5 Weigh-In Results

Fighters for Saturday’s UFC on Fox 5 event took to the scale here today in Seattle.

In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson will defend his title against Nate Diaz. Diaz will need to make 155 before the bout is official, as it is a championship fight.

The co-main event boasts former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua taking on Alexander Gustafsson, while ex-UFC champ BJ Penn returns to meet Rory MacDonald.

The remaining Fox-televised card features Mike Swick facing Matt Brown. Six fights are set for the FX prelim special, while one will stream on Facebook.

UPDATE: Diaz did make 155 on his third attempt, making the bout official for Saturday night.

Below are the weigh-in results for the card:

MAIN CARD (FOX)

Benson Henderson (154.6 lbs.) vs. Nate Diaz (155.6 lbs.) for Henderson’s UFC lightweight championship

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (205 lbs.) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (205.4 lbs.)

Rory MacDonald (170.2 lbs.) vs. BJ Penn (168.2 lbs.)

Mike Swick (170 lbs.) vs. Matt Brown (170.2 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FX)

Jeremy Stephens (155.8 lbs.) vs. Yves Edwards (155 lbs.)

Raphael Assuncao (136.4 lbs.) vs. Mike Easton (135 lbs.)

Ramsey Nijem (155.4 lbs.) vs. Joe Proctor (154.6 lbs.)

Daron Cruickshank (155 lbs.) vs. Henry Martinez (158.8 lbs.)

Marcus LeVesseur (155.4 lbs.) vs. Abel Trujillo (155.4 lbs.)

Nam Phan (145.4 lbs.) vs. Dennis Siver (146 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

Scott Jorgensen (135.2 lbs.) vs. John Albert (136 lbs.)

Photo credit: MMAFighting.com