The UFC 202 main event was arguably the most anticipated rematch of all time. Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz had sewed the seeds of intrigue at UFC 196. The rivalry was in full flow after just 11 days, and Nate Diaz capitalized.
Maybe it was McGregor’s conditioning, but many felt Diaz had defeated the Irishman at his own game. The trash talk came thick and fast when the Stockton native replaced Rafael dos Anjos on less than two weeks notice. Unlike his previous opponents, McGregor wasn’t winning the war of words.
Diaz, the legend, is born
Nate Diaz pulled out one of the craziest wins of all-time on March 5. Submitting Conor McGregor in a wild brawl, the cult idol from the 209 became a superstar overnight. The UFC had tried to hold him down for years, and now Diaz was relishing his time in the limelight.
“They’re trying to get me out of here,” was the statement Diaz made after UFC 196. The promotion had granted ‘The Notorious’ an immediate rematch, and the featherweight champion requested it at welterweight again.
Part Two
The rematch was a very different fight from their first meeting. McGregor and Diaz stood toe-to-toe for five whole rounds at UFC 202. Many hailed the fight as one of the greatest in the sports history. This time it was the Irish star who got the win.
McGregor’s hand was raised by majority judges decision, but it was by no means a dominant win. Many fans argued that it was a draw, with some believing Diaz had done enough to win. Since that time, the Californian/Mexican grappler has made some interesting comments.
The Rivalry Continues
Diaz publicly stated the score was now 2-0 against McGregor. His coaches believe the judges gave the fight to McGregor to keep the Irish star afloat, and also to set up a trilogy fight. The respect shown between both warriors after UFC 202 seemed to fizzle out rather quickly.
Now Nate Diaz has come out with some very intriguing comments…
