Nate Diaz and Leon Edwards are looking to make history next month as combatants in the first-ever five-round co-main event. Edwards is one of the top contenders in the Welterweight division and Diaz is always one of the biggest money-fights possible. While Edwards would solidify his case for a title shot with a win, Ali Abdelaziz believes the same applies to Nate Diaz.

While speaking to MMAJunkie, Abdelaziz ruled out Colby Covington as the next #1 contender due to his inactivity. However, he is invested in the outcome of Edwards vs Diaz, as that will decide who faces Kamaru Usman after his title defense against Jorge Masvidal.

“Listen, Kamaru is a champion. By the time this fight finishes, he’s fought three times since he fought Covington. If Colby Covington thinks he’s going to get a title shot after one win, he’s crazy. We have got Leon Edwards on an eight-fight winning streak. If he beats Nate Diaz, he’s the number one contender. If Nate Diaz beats Leon Edwards, he’s going to be the number one contender.

“Colby is nowhere near the number one contender. You can’t just win over Woodley and get a title shot when the champ fought three times. He’s the #6 contender maybe.”

Nate Diaz, Leon Edwards, or Colby Covington: Who deserves to be #1 Contender?

Nate Diaz being the top contender after what Abdelaziz said about Covington is hard to process. Diaz last fought before Usman had his first title defense. However, a win over Leon Edwards, who is still on an eight-fight win streak, counts for more than Covington beating Tyron Woodley when he was on a two-fight slide.

Michael Bisping Believes Nate Diaz Can Become #1 Contender With Win Over Leon Edwards

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However, we shouldn’t be overlooking Masvidal’s chances of upsetting Usman. Similarly, there is also the Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson matchup that will add more names in this crowded title picture. Considering the others have tried to stay active, giving the bout to Diaz may raise some eyebrows.

But it is Nate Diaz, after all. He is one of the biggest names in the division, and Usman stands to make a lot from fighting him. Despite Diaz not being ranked, a win over Edwards would position him perfectly to challenge Usman for his title.