Conor McGregor has said he is ready to go to war with Nate Diaz for a third time after his win at UFC 202 on Aug. 20, but it appears a trilogy is unlikely to take place.
Continue for updates.
Diaz Speaks Out
Tuesday, Aug. 23
Nathan Diaz @NateDiaz209Hahaha u didn't even win đ
Following his loss at UFC 202, Diaz made his thoughts clear on a potential third tussle: âHey, good job today, Conor, but weâre going for three,â said the Stockton, California, fighter, per the Guardian's Josh Gross. âFor real. Until then I ainât coming back.â
White Talks Trilogy with TMZ
Monday, Aug. 22
UFC President Dana White told TMZ Sports: "The war was fun and super successful, but I'm movin' on."
McGregor Comments on Potential Rematch
Sunday, Aug. 21
The Irishman edged a thrilling bout by majority decision after five pulsating rounds in Las Vegas, avenging his loss to Diaz at UFC 196. After his latest victory, McGregor insisted heâd be happy to complete the trilogy against the American.
âIf you want this trilogy, itâs on my terms,â he said afterward, per the Associated Press (via the Guardian). âI came up to 170 [pounds], now youâll come back to 155, and weâll finish what weâve started. I knew what I had to do this time around, and I did it.â
McGregor vs. Diaz 3 Would Be Massive Draw for UFC
Itâs a fight plenty would like to see. The main event at UFC 202 was a contest for the ages, as both competitors put every sinew possible into securing a victory. There were spells when McGregor and Diaz were on top, respectively, but the former had an edge at critical points.
In the post-fight press conference, McGregor wouldnât totally commit to any future plans. âThere's a lot of stuff in the pipeline,â The Notorious said, per Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting. âS--tâs about to hit the fan, so we'll see.â
MMAjunkie's Chamatkar Sandu believes both fighters should take some time before completing the trilogy:
Chamatkar Sandhu @SandhuMMAI say let Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor go their separate ways for now and bring them back for the trilogy fight at 155lbs UFC 209 Q1 2017.
Another fight with Diaz would raise questions about McGregor keeping hold of the featherweight title for much longer. Heâs not fought in the weight class since December 2015, when he beat Jose Aldo, who is currently the interim champion. Per Helwani, the Irishman doesnât think stripping him of the belt would be the best move by the UFC:
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwaniMcGregor: I don't think they're gonna (strip). How can they do that? What would that do to the division of the guy I KO'd in 13 sec is champ
Had McGregor not got the job done at welterweight, he would have likely dropped back down to the featherweight division chastened by his foray into the heavier classes. This win over Diaz and the manner in which it was achieved means options will be plentiful for The Notorious.
After McGregor's thrilling rematch with Diaz, there will certainly be an appetite for a third showdown in the future. Both fighters will need to take time over their decision, though. With passions still running high, the immediate aftermath of a bout is never the best time to make these critical choices.