Diaz Wants The McGregor Trilogy
Nate Diaz has welcomed a trilogy fight with Connor McGregor.
Diaz has not fought in the UFC since beating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in 2022. Since then, he has had two boxing fights. On his debut, he faced off against Jake Paul, losing a unanimous decision. While he may have come out second best, he showed great heart. He got off the canvas to make it to the final bell. He then rematched Jorge Masvidal in his second boxing fight this year after having lost their UFC 244 clash in 2019.
Diaz lost that fight after the bout was stopped at the end of the third round following a cut over his eye. Nate got his revenge in the boxing fight, winning a majority decision in a controversial result. Diaz and McGregor have a lot of history, having faced each other twice in the octagon. Diaz won the first fight at UFC 196, securing the victory via a submission. McGregor then got his revenge via a majority decision at UFC 202.
McGregor Vs. Diaz
Since then, McGregor has struggled with his UFC career, having not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. The Irishman broke his leg in that loss, taking his record to three losses out of his last four UFC bouts. He was set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. But he pulled out with a broken toe.
Dana White has already said that McGregor will fight early next year, but his opponent remains to be seen. Chandler will rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. While Chandler still wants to face McGregor, Diaz could be another alternative. Diaz ruled out fighting McGregor in BKFC. The Irishman is a part owner of the franchise, but Diaz prefers to face him in a proper fight, given that their record is 1-1. And a third fight would end that rivalry.
Will It Happen?
“I wouldn’t like to fight him in the bare knuckle fight, though. I’d like him in a real fight because we got history there and we gotta finish what we gotta do and that’s a real fight. It’s the whole package. I don’t think I’m fighting anybody bare knuckle because someone buzzed me in the face with a bare knuckle, I’m dipping them on the ass and [mess] them up,” Diaz said
Before that can happen, McGregor must get himself back in the Octagon. He has two fights left on his UFC deal. But at 35, his continual inactivity will only harm him. McGregor has several opportunities outside of the UFC, with boxing fights and a BKFC bout easily on the table. However, the Irishman will have to convince people that he is the same fighter on his return if he is to secure those lucrative paydays. Diaz will hope for the same as a third fight will undoubtedly sell out.
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