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#2. Should hire: AJ McKee (Bellator)
AJ McKee may have suffered his first career loss recently, but that was via a highly controversial decision. At just 27 years old, McKee is still very young and has flashed his ridiculous potential during his time in Bellator, establishing him as one of the hottest prospects in the sport.
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McKee could be a real threat at both featherweight and lightweight for many years to come, and he's a very marketable fighter both in and out of the octagon. He’s been open about his interest in the UFC, so Dana White would be smart to pay whatever is necessary to secure the talents of ‘The Mercenary’.
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#2. Should let go: Nick Diaz (UFC)
While another Nick Diaz fight would produce huge numbers for the UFC, it may not necessarily be the best idea. Diaz did have his moments in his return fight against Robbie Lawler, but given Lawler’s results before and after that fight, that performance has not aged particularly well.
The treatment of the elder Diaz brother has been incredibly unfair over the course of his career, but at this point, it may not be wise to start offering him more fights. As good as he was in his prime, it’s tough to imagine him performing like that today. Protecting his health and legacy may be the more ethical choice.
#1. Should hire: Kayla Harrison (PFL)
Prior to Kayla Harrison re-signing with the PFL, it seemed as though there was a good chance she might take her talents to the UFC. Ultimately, that did not happen, but perhaps it could in the future. Harrison appears to be a generational talent, and it would be great to see her compete against the best in her weight class.
With that being said, the UFC’s featherweight division is not particularly strong at this point in time. The champion, Amanda Nunes, is seeking to re-gain her bantamweight title, and there are virtually no other names of note at 145 pounds. If the UFC is keen to rebuild this division, signing Kayla Harrison is a must.
#1. Should let go: Nate Diaz (UFC)
Nate Diaz consistently competed against some of the best fighters in the sport at one point in time. While the results have not been great recently, he still seems capable of competing at a UFC-worthy level. However, he has been incredibly clear that he wants out of the company, and that wish should be granted.
While the UFC booked Diaz against Khamzat Chimaev in the last fight of the former's current contract, things shouldn't have gotten to this point. Diaz has given fans many great moments during his lengthy run in the UFC, and he should be rewarded with the ability to decide his future.
As soon as he expressed his desire to leave and asserted that no amount of money could keep him in the UFC, it should have been the end of the Nate Diaz-UFC story.
