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UFC boss says title shots on line for Diaz, Hendricks, perhaps not for Miller, Koscheck

UFC president Dana White said there's a potential he may grant two title shots following Saturday's UFC on FOX 3 event, but he might not grant any.

While main-card bouts of Nate Diaz (15-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC) vs. Jim Miller (21-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) and Johny Hendricks (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) vs. Josh Koscheck (17-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) have been discussed as de facto No. 1 contender fights, White today said that's not exactly true.

Similar to the UFC on FOX 2 meeting between Rashad Evans and Phil Davis, White said Saturday's two headlining fights each have title implications – just not necessarily for the fighters on both sides of the octagon.

"We're in one of those situations we were in before with Davis and Evans." White told Sergio Non of "USA Today." "Should Diaz win, Diaz is definitely getting the title shot. Should Miller win, Miller's probably going to be a fight or two away."

White confirmed the co-feature contestants find themselves in a similar situation with Hendricks bidding for a shot at the belt but onetime title challenger Koscheck not quite yet in the championship picture.

UFC on FOX 3 takes place Saturday at IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The evening's main card airs on FOX.

Diaz enters the bout after back-to-back career bests, flashing moments of absolute domination in wins over Donald Cerrone and Takanori Gomi. The 26-year-old is just 4-2 in his past six fights, but with five "Fight of the Night" bonuses under his belt, he's a must-watch competitor and may very well work his way into title contention with a win.

Meanwhile, Miller looks to build on the strength of his impressive submission win over Melvin Guillard at January's UFC on FX 1 event. Miller was decisioned by Benson Henderson in a bid for a shot at the lightweight title, but he's still 9-1 in his past 10 fights and extremely relevant in the 155-pound title picture.

While UFC officials have yet to make an official announcement, the lightweight title is expected to next be contested on Aug. 11 at UFC 150, with champ Henderson rematching Frankie Edgar.

UFC boss says title shots on line for Diaz, Hendricks, perhaps not for Miller, Koscheck | MMAjunkie.com

[RearNakedStroke]

Thats messed up. I kinda thought Miller deserved it more than Diaz, but maybe I'm forgetting something.

[krayven]

Originally Posted by RearNakedStroke

Thats messed up. I kinda thought Miller deserved it more than Diaz, but maybe I'm forgetting something.

Diaz is easier to "market". Doesn't make it ok tho. He was riding a hell of a streak before Benson. Diaz I still have the images of Rory Mac German Suplexing him all over the cage fresh in my mind

[initial_zen]

Originally Posted by RearNakedStroke

Thats messed up. I kinda thought Miller deserved it more than Diaz, but maybe I'm forgetting something.

I feel the same way. If Miller is not ahead, he is at least as far along imo. Diaz got a big win over cerone, but cerone was great at smashing B level fights and didnt really have any wins against top ranked fighters.

[macewen]

is miller 1-1 in his last 2? bendo just SPANKED him and if he were to beat diaz, and bendo beat edgar, (IM NOT saying me here) but that fight doesnt have a lot of appeal after the one sided affair that just took place.

[goodtimes]

Originally Posted by krayven

Diaz is easier to "market". Doesn't make it ok tho. He was riding a hell of a streak before Benson. Diaz I still have the images of Rory Mac German Suplexing him all over the cage fresh in my mind

Getting beat by a huge WW shouldn't effect a guys LW standing that much. His other recent loss is to Kim, another huge WW. Both fights he wasn't really dominated, he just couldn't deal with their strength advantages and was out grappled.

The thing is Miller just lost to the champ, so it makes it hard to give him a title shot so fast. I think a rematch would be OK. Bendo did put a beating on him, but Miller was over-committing to submissions and getting punished by elbows for it. If he fights position first, it could be a much different fight.

[Y2JUBAE]

Diaz and Miller should be at least 3 wins from a title shot. Diaz better be glad his brother made a big splash in the UFC, that combined with his win over Cowboy is the only reason he is considered for a title shot. I mean 5 out of 10 of his last fights were losses... 2 of his last 4 were losses lol. wtf.

[IceCold48]

Originally Posted by RearNakedStroke

Thats messed up. I kinda thought Miller deserved it more than Diaz, but maybe I'm forgetting something.

well miller fought ben not too long ago and lost convincingly. nate diaz has never fought henderson or edgar. maybe thats the logic maybe they want a new face in there.

[mma #1 fan]

Originally Posted by Y2JUBAE

Diaz and Miller should be at least 3 wins from a title shot. Diaz better be glad his brother made a big splash in the UFC, that combined with his win over Cowboy is the only reason he is considered for a title shot. I mean 5 out of 10 of his last fights were losses... 2 of his last 4 were losses lol. wtf.

He has not lost at 155 since Gray. Not that any of his wins less the Donald Cerrone have been vs the top of the rug fighters

[W.Silva>C.Norris]

Originally Posted by IceCold48

well miller fought ben not too long ago and lost convincingly. nate diaz has never fought henderson or edgar. maybe thats the logic maybe they want a new face in there.

they had a chance for a new face. instead edgar gets a rematch