Nate Diaz Out From Matt Brown UFC 189 Fight! Tim Means Stepping In

Tim Means is stepping in to replace Nate Diaz in a match against Matt Brown at UFC 189.

MMA Weekly reported that the original plan was for Diaz to face Brown, but Diaz dismissed the idea as soon as the announcement was made. According to Diaz who has a 17-10 record, he did not mind fighting Brown but felt that negotiations were lacking and that he was being compelled into the match. The UFC then decided to have Means in lieu of Diaz.

Based on a report by Fox Sports, Brown said that Diaz did not sign the contract. Apparently, Diaz was not happy with the way that the fight was put together. Brown also shared that he did not have too many details regarding the cancellation and was just informed that the fight between him and Diaz was cancelled.

Means recently won against George Sullivan in New Jersey and immediately accepted the match against Brown. He currently has a 24-6-1 record, winning six of his last seven matches. Means is outside the Top 15 while Brown is ranked at No. 5. It would be a good chance for Means to improve his status in the UFC, MMA Weekly added. Brown, on the other hand, has a 19-13 record and previously lost against Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. Before his two losses, Brown was on a seven-fight winning streak.

The UFC 189 fight card will showcase Jose Aldo, who will be defending his featherweight title against Conor McGregor. Robbie Lawler will fight Rory MacDonald, Dennis Bermudez will face Jeremy Stephens, Gunnar Nelson will fight John Hathaway, Brandon Thatch will fight John Howard, Mike Swick will face Alex Garcia and Cody Garbrandt will fight Henry Briones, MMA Fighting noted.

What's next for Diaz, then? Edson Barboza, who has a 15-3 record, is willing to give him a good match, MMA Junkie said. Barboza is currently looking for anyone to fight, after losing against Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 61 in February 2015.

Barboza said when asked about a potential match against Diaz, "Oooh, that, I like it. I think that's a good fight. Oh yeah, man. I've got a big smile here right now."

Barboza also told MMA Junkie, "Right now, I need to fight. It doesn't matter who my opponent is, or their rank. I need to fight, because I lost my last fight. My focus is to come back stronger and win - that's it."