UFC rivals Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor are one a piece in terms of octagon victories. In terms of trash talking stakes, though, some would say Diaz is miles ahead…
Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz are two names that will be inseparable in the annals of MMA history. Their two fights in the UFC, so far, epitomize the unpredictability, excitement, emotion and pure energy that MMA fans are so addicted to.
UFC 196, an event Diaz wasn’t even linked to until 12 days prior, showed that anything can happen when the cage door shuts. Originally meant to face Rafael dos Anjos, McGregor ended up fighting at welterweight at Diaz’s request.
Replacing the injured then-lightweight champion, the Stockon grappler slapped and choked his way to an insane underdog victory. Previously undefeated in the UFC, McGregor was clearly disappointed in his performance.
Footage emerged of ‘The Notorious’ in his locker room admitting he had ‘pussied out.’
It Ain’t Over
Although the promotion clearly wanted McGregor to fight for the lightweight belt, there was unfinished business with Diaz. The fact their insanely entertaining trash talk and even more exhilarating fight had smashed the pay-per-view record was just the icing on the cake.
Round two, more steroid accusations from Diaz and a water bottle fight later, and McGregor had won a narrow decision at UFC 202. Since then, the Irishman has gone on to win the lightweight title, box and lose to Floyd Mayweather and then get stripped of the aforementioned 155-pound belt.
Meanwhile, Diaz has been enjoying his cash, but still finds time to trash McGregor. During an interview with FOX Sports this week, Diaz again accused McGregor of doping:
“I’m not going to tarnish his name like that, but don’t be surprised if he’s on steroids. Who knows, you know what I’m saying. They are all on f*cking steroids.” Diaz stated.
Nate had also discussed his long-awaited comeback during a number of interviews last month. After he claimed he was the ‘real champ’ during a comeback announcement, Diaz was shot down by UFC president Dana White.
Talking to ESPN.com, Diaz said he is getting bored of not fighting:
“(Conor McGregor) is just living his life right now and he’s got a magnifying glass on him, whatever he’s doing,” Diaz said. “I don’t give a f— what he does.
“I’m sure he’s up and down. ‘Do I want to be in these lights? Why am I not in these lights? I need to get in the lights. I need to get out of the lights.’ It’s a crazy roller coaster.”
“I’m getting to the point where I’m sick of not fighting. I’m not getting any younger,” Diaz told ESPN. “I put that tweet out saying I wanted to fight in May or June, but I didn’t say who because I was weighing my options. And now, Woodley is my best option.”