Although Nate Diaz isn’t currently ranked in the top 15 of the UFC’s lightweight rankings, Conor McGregor’s proposed that a trilogy fight with the Stockton star could be for the lightweight belt.

McGregor doesn’t think Diaz needs to fight another contender 

As you surely know, McGregor is scheduled to fight former interim champ Dustin Poirier in the headliner of UFC 257, January 23. The expectation is that the winner will move on to fight for the lightweight belt.

Whether that’s against the now retired, champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov or someone else remains to be seen.

Well, ever since McGregor and Diaz split their two fights series in 2016, there’s been extensive talk about a rubber match. McGregor has repeatedly said it needs to happen, but, he had also said he wasn’t sure when.

But, while talking to The MacLife ahead of UFC 257, the former champ was asked about the possibility of fighting Diaz again. McGregor had this to say (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“We’ve got world titles in boxing now, there’s talks of … I hear Dana talking (about) Nate Diaz coming back down to lightweight.

I love that. I’d love to compete against Diaz. We will compete again. If that happens at lightweight for a title, that would be something special, also.

So there’s many great options that are in the works and let’s see what happens. I am ready.”

And while talking about the possibility of fighting Diaz for the lightweight title, McGregor said this.

“I think if he’s going to come down to 155 he should come down for me, to be honest with you. Nate’s a warrior, Nate’s a go-er, Nate shows up, steps up and fights.

It’s not necessary, I don’t feel, to have him fight another 155er against another contender. I feel maybe it should be me and Nate, you know.

“If it’s going to be 155 we could possibly do that for the belt. If not, I’d probably just fight Nate at 170 pounds again. The reason being we fought at 170 twice.

Why mix it up for the trilogy? But, if there’s belts and titles and loftier things on the line, I’m certain a 155-pound challenge with Nate would be something.

So, many great fights and many great options, and I’m pretty excited about every single one of them.”

Reaction?

So, there’s a couple of things to look at here.

First off, McGregor mentioned White’s recent comments, in which he reported that the UFC is working on a fight right now for Diaz. White said it’s at lightweight, and although he didn’t name the opponent, he mentioned a win for Diaz would put him in a good spot at 155.

In other words, since the UFC is exploring that option, one could certainly conclude the promotion isn’t interested in giving Diaz a title shot next. Not until he beats at least one, or possibly more, contenders.

Which, makes sense.

While there’s no doubt that the third fight between McGregor and Diaz would be massive, it would be shocking if the UFC moved Diaz ahead of the likes of Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje or Michael Chandler etc., for a championship, McGregor – Diaz III, say this summer.

Of course, first things first, and McGregor needs to get by Poirier.

Share: 

Mentioned in this article:

More About: