Nate Diaz Ups His Beef With Conor McGregor By Reminding Him Who the UFC’s Original Gangster is…
The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz shows no signs of lessening with age. The pair has been back and forth on social media since their original match-up at UFC 196, way back in 2016. After Diaz submitted McGregor in that fight, a rematch was arranged.
McGregor got the tightest of decisions at UFC 202. A trilogy fight between the pair to decide the ultimate winner seems likely to happen in the future. However, it’s all about finding the right time and now is not it. Nonetheless, Diaz is making sure to remind the ‘Notorious’ that he is ready and waiting for him.
Neither of these men made an octagon appearance in 2017. Indeed the last time McGregor fought was against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, while Diaz hasn’t fought since UFC 202. Now, Diaz has reacted to McGregor’s UFC 223 bus attack by reminding him of his own dark gangster past within the UFC.
Controversial
It’s easy to forget but Nate – and older brother Nick – haven’t always had the easiest of relationships with the UFC. Nate has missed weight and been suspended for using homophobic slurs, while Nick has had multiple bans because of weed-related offenses.
The Diaz brothers and their crew come from Stockton, one of the toughest cities in the US, and have a ‘them against us’ mentality. One of the most dramatic and notorious incidents involving the so-called ‘Skrap Crew’ was the Strikeforce: Nashville Brawl.
After Jason Miller entered the cage to confront Jake Shields, the Diaz Brothers, Gilbert Melendez and other members of their crew attacked Miller then and there, on live TV. Security broke it up, but it remains one of the most embarrassing moments in MMA history.
Proud
Diaz doesn’t seem too bothered by the memory though. He brought it up today on the anniversary of the event to remind Conor McGregor who the UFC’s original gang were. In an Instagram post he wrote:
“This what they were trying to act like they were doing n NYC but no ones for real in this sport were the last of our kind it’s a new day in age ride or die we started this G shit”.
The Californian made headlines for his unusual reaction to McGregor’s attack on the UFC 223 media bus carrying Khabib Nurmagamedov. However, his target was the Russian who intimidated McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov. Diaz still believes that his Stockton crew are the toughest in the UFC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhsgy7THOx1/?utm_source=ig_embed
Waiting
There’s little doubt that Diaz is angling for a third and final fight against McGregor. Although Khabib Nurmagamedov is the Irishman’s natural next opponent, being freed from the lightweight title actually gives McGregor more options. It may make it easier for him to duck Nurmagamedov and face Diaz again.
Another option for Diaz is to take on a top contender at either lightweight or welterweight. He’s been linked to a booking against Tyron Woodley and would also be a fascinating return fight for Tony Ferguson. Diaz’s personality definitely makes him one of the biggest draws in the UFC right now, so they won’t want to waste him.
