Dana White: GSP vs. Nate Diaz, Alexander Gustafsson vs. Luke Rockhold Targeted for UFC 227

In Dana White’s perfect world, UFC Fight Night 127 has a chance to be one of 2018’s biggest events.

The Aug. 4 card, which takes place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, has already confirmed a bantamweight title rematch between T.J. Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt. However, the pay-per-view portion of the card could be in line for a significant boost in star power, as White revealed on the ”UFC Unfiltered” podcast that the promotion is hoping to book Georges St. Pierre vs. Nate Diaz and Alexander Gustafsson vs. Luke Rockhold for UFC 227.

MMA journalist Mike Russell was the first to report the St. Pierre vs. Diaz rumors over the weekend. One key point of interest: St. Pierre and Diaz would compete at lightweight instead of welterweight. Meanwhile, Gustafsson vs. Rockhold would be at light heavyweight, as Rockhold, the former middleweight champion, has hinted at a move up in weight in recent months.

“It is true, and they [St. Pierre and Diaz] would fight at 155 pounds,” White said. “There are rumors that we were doing Gustafsson versus Rockhold. That is true, but that is not for the interim title. That’s false. It might be L.A. I’m targeting L.A. In my perfect world, if everything goes perfect, which nothing goes f---omg perfect in this world: Dillashaw vs. Garbrandt, GSP vs. Diaz would be the co-main, Gustafsson vs. Rockhold, and Derek Brunson vs. Antonio Carlos Junior.”

Last week, reports surfaced that Diaz was in talks to make his Octagon return at UFC 227, although no opponent was mentioned. The Stockton, Calif., native hasn’t fought since losing a majority decision to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 in August 2016.

“We’ve been offering Nate Diaz fights for however long,” White said. “In his contract, and Nick Diaz, I have to give them three fights a year. Per the contract, I need to give them three fights a year. If I fail to give them three fights a year then I have to pay them. I have honored my contract with those guys. They turn down the fights, which extends their contracts. But we are working right now to try to put together a Georges St-Pierre versus Nate Diaz fight.”