Dana White: Nate Diaz turned down UFC fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov

Well ... this is interesting.

Looks like the only person left to fight undefeated Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov is reigning division champion Anthony Pettis.

Everyone else is sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a title shot.

Nurmagomedov (21-0) recently told mixed martial arts (MMA) fans (read it) that his intention was to secure wins over Gilbert Melendez and Nate Diaz, which he was convinced would earn him a shot at "Showtime's" belt, just as soon as the champ returns from kneehab.

There's just one problem.

A fight against Melendez -- originally scheduled for UFC 170 next month in Las Vegas -- was mysteriously canceled. Then, not long after, Diaz passed on the opportunity to step in for "El Nino," according to a tweet from UFC President Dana White.

Let the speculation begin.

Diaz is fresh off a knockout over Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 finale and during his post-fight interview, told UFC commentator Jon Anik that he, as well as Melendez, were the two best fighters in the entire division. He's either looking to protect that spot, or doesn't feel the Russian is worthy of facing him.

Cue the "Don't be scared, homie" comments.

Nurmagomedov turned away Pat Healy at the UFC 165 event last November to notch his fifth-straight win inside the Octagon. "The Eagle" -- who once said Brazilian jiu-jitsu was an easier version of Sambo -- has not been shy about asking for a fight.

Unfortunately, he can't seem to get one.

In fact, the only person who agreed to step up and face him was streaking lightweight contender Rafael dos Anjos, who apparently got his Russian fighters confused, because in reality he accepted a fight against Rustam Khabilov, thinking it was Nurmagomedov.

Maybe next time.