After months of trash talking and a water bottle fight, it was put up or shut up time for Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202.
In an instant classic fight, McGregor took the slightest of margins to defeat Diaz. Judges Derek Cleary and Jeff Mullen scored the highly anticipated rematch 48-47 in favor of McGregor, while judge Glenn Trowbridge scored it as a draw at 47-47.
Conor looked prepared in this match, dropping Nate three times in the first two rounds, which could’ve been opportunities to finish the match early. “I knew he would have success early” said Diaz. “Just as I expected, he was going to slow down and I was going to speed up.”
Which was true!
Diaz picked up the pace and fought a sluggish McGregor in the third round. Landing 271 total strikes, compared to 190 by McGregor. Also attempting 446 strikes, to 313 strikes by the Irishman.
McGregor used several leg kicks in the fight to keep Diaz off balance, which was a key to his victory. This led to landing strikes which left Nate with a swollen and bloody right eye.
After the fight Diaz responded to his loss saying “I came to the fight worse off than last time. I didn’t get to train. I had injuries. I’m not making excuses, but you should have finished me off.” “I’m ready for number three, I gave you number two” wanting a rematch to decided definitive winner in the feud.
McGregor responded to a rematch saying “All I know is that its 1-1.” “I came up to 170 lbs to test the bigger man, face adversity. I want the trilogy, but its on my terms. Come back to 155 lbs. Lets do it.”
There hasn’t been a report on what injury Diaz sustained before the fight or whats next for the Stockton, CA native but we do know what’s next for McGregor.
UFC President Dana White has been vocal that Conor would have to defend his featherweight title. “Conor has to defend his title or make a decision to give it up or whatever he wants to do.” White told ESPN.
If McGregor defends his title it will possible be against Jose Aldo. Aldo defeated Frankie Edgar in UFC 200 to win the interim featherweight title.
Aldo called out McGregor after the UFC 202 wanting a rematch for the title at UFC 205:
Where you at @TheNotoriousMMA? Come back down and I'll see you at UFC205 or drop the belt! #hitandrun
— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) August 21, 2016
We wont know what happens till then, but all we know is that it’s a beautfiul time to be a fan of MMA and the UFC.
Watch the Diaz vs McGregor II highlights below:
https://youtu.be/AjJN-3Xb9SU
