Nick Diaz's suspension to be cut short, Tyron Woodley waiting for a shot at the title

UFC 183: The fight between Diaz and Silva was declared as a ‘no contest’ as both had failed their drug tests

Nick Diaz who was charged with a five-year sentence before his rematch with Anderson Silva during UFC 183, is set to have his sentence shortened, according to reports.

The former Strikeforce champion was charged by the NSAC (Nevada State Athletics Commission). He was originally fined $165000 but is looking at $100000 hefty penalty now.

The NSAC had charged the American more than the stipulated maximum period allowed legally, according to the NSAC’s norms. Diaz, known to be a repeat offender, was slapped with the harsh penalty due to that very reason, according to the judging panel which sentenced him.

The NSAC has been on the receiving end of a lot of condemnation following the event, including current women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and UFC President Dana White, who said that a five-year sentence “seemed a bit harsh”.

Diaz’s urine sample was tested thrice, out of which two came clean and one was not. Diaz’s attorney Lucas Middlebrook appealed to the board regarding this, but in vain. Following his recent appeal, the 32-year-old could see his – what was seen by many as – a ‘harsh’ five-year sentence, reduced to 18 months.

This could pave way for him to return to the Octagon possibly in mid-2016.

- In other news, up and coming welterweight contender Tyron Woodley is reportedly ‘preserving’ himself for a title fight, according to a statement told to UFC Tonight, by distinguished MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. The 33-year-old MMA fighter has been keeping himself busy.

"Right now he's working on some movie projects, and he'll be working on desk for FS1 for UFC 195. That will be well over a year since he fought,” reported Helwani.

The former Strikeforce fighter has 15 wins under his belt and 3 losses for a total of 18 fights in his MMA career so far. “The Chosen One” will be returning to fight, after having defeated the likes of Carlos Condit and Kelvin Gastelum.

Woodley will be looking to pile on more wins and even a title to his resume, after having almost a year’s rest. UFC President Dana White had promised Woodley a shot at the welterweight belt and the winner of Lawler v. Condit will be the one to face off against Woodley, apparently.