The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz is one of the most captivating in UFC history. From unexpected upsets to unforgettable battles, their encounters have left an indelible mark on the sport. Since Nate Diaz's UFC debut in 2007, when he won The Ultimate Fighter 5, he hasn't been shy about expressing his opinions or sticking up for perceived injustices. Their clashes have been marked by intense trash talk, unexpected twists, and a level of excitement that few rivalries can match.
The Spark: UFC 196
The rivalry ignited when Nate Diaz stepped in as a late replacement to face Conor McGregor at UFC 196. McGregor had originally been slated to face Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title. McGregor had won the featherweight title at UFC 194 on Dec. 12, when he knocked out Jose Aldo with a left hand to the chin 13 seconds into the first round. With that stunning punch, McGregor snapped Aldo's 18-bout win streak and handed Aldo his first loss since November 2005.
But dos Anjos broke his left foot and pulled out 11 days before the bout. Diaz then got his shot, replacing dos Anjos on short notice. The two agreed to fight at 170 pounds-15 more pounds than the lightweight limit. It was the first time McGregor had fought at that weight. Despite the lack of a training camp, Diaz was ready. He wasn't about to let his chance slip away against McGregor, who was undefeated (7-0) in UFC competition and had a 15-fight winning streak dating to 2010.
During the first round, McGregor landed a number of punches, causing Diaz to bleed profusely. Still, Diaz absorbed the blows and just kept coming at McGregor, who tired as the bout went on. Then Diaz locked in a rear-naked choke hold and made McGregor tap with 48 seconds remaining in the second round. Afterward, Diaz raised both arms and celebrated another performance of the night as blood poured down his face.
Even after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 196 on March 5, Diaz didn't mince words. During the post-fight press conference, Diaz mentioned how the UFC had promoted McGregor and helped make him a star. Before he faced McGregor, Diaz hadn't fought on pay-per-view since 2011. He thought he deserved better.
Read also: More on Conor McGregor
"I just wish I had the same push, the same help," Diaz said. "I've been in this a long time. It's been nine years. This was like my 25th fight here in the UFC. I've been the last few years curious when this is going to pay off. I think it's time. Now, it's time."
Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor 1 FREE FIGHT UFC 279 1080p
The Rematch: UFC 202
The stage was set for a rematch at UFC 202. Two months later, the sides settled their differences and signed a contract to stage Diaz-McGregor II as the main event of UFC 202. The histrionics heated up during Wednesday's press conference, with McGregor showing up more than a half-hour late. As McGregor spoke on the dais, Diaz walked off the stage, but he lingered in the back of the room. McGregor and Diaz continued taunting each other with expletives, double middle fingers and other insults. They even threw water bottles and cans of energy drinks.
From the start, McGregor aimed at Diaz's right (front) foot and landed several kicks. McGregor knocked Diaz down with three minutes, 19 seconds left in the first round and twice more early in the second round. Each time, McGregor allowed Diaz to stand up. It was different than the first fight, after which McGregor said he was "inefficient with my energy" and too aggressive before he tired.
McGregor was more patient this time, which nearly hurt him. By the end of the second round, Diaz had regrouped, caused McGregor to fall to the canvas and flexed his muscles to the crowd. During the third round, numerous fans at T-Mobile Arena began chanting "Diaz, Diaz, Diaz." Diaz landed several punches late in the round and seemed to gain the upper hand, but neither fighter caved. Diaz wiped blood off his eyes and face numerous times and culminated the duel by taking down McGregor.
Diaz lost his rematch to McGregor on Saturday night via majority decision at UFC 202 in Las Vegas. Two judges scored the fight 48-47 for McGregor. The third had it 47-47. Still, the way Diaz hung in there, withstood McGregor's early leg kicks and remained aggressive, he proved he's a main event guy and big draw.
Read also: Legal Troubles of Conor McGregor
For their efforts, Diaz-McGregor II was named Fight of the Night. It may have been Fight of the Year, too. Making it more remarkable, both guys were injured. In addition to Diaz's ailments, McGregor hurt his ankle in training and confirmed to reporters he hurt his shin during the bout.
For all of McGregor's trash talk beforehand, he praised Diaz's toughness and durability late Saturday night. "I'll tell you what, man: His face was opened up, and he [was] still just coming at me," McGregor said during his post-fight press conference. "You've got to respect that. You've got to respect Nate and the style of fighting that he brings. How can you not?"
Aftermath and Potential Trilogy
When McGregor spoke with Rogan in the cage, he said he wanted to fight Diaz again, albeit with one caveat: a 155-pound weight limit. The stipulation didn't seem to deter Diaz. He was eager for the trilogy. "Hey, good job today, Conor," Diaz told Rogan. "But we're going for three. For real."
Before facing Diaz again, McGregor might defend his featherweight title or fight lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. As for Diaz's next step? It's unclear. It might be a while before he returns to the cage. Twice in the past three years he has taken more than a year off between fights. He could have another long hiatus.
Facing McGregor twice has helped revive Diaz's career, raise his profile and make him relevant to a wider audience. After Diaz beat Michael Johnson via unanimous decision Dec. 19 in Diaz's first fight in more than a year, he was already looking ahead. Diaz had lost three of his last four bouts, but he was impressive throughout and confident afterward. During an in-cage interview with Rogan, Diaz launched an expletive-filled rant, calling out McGregor.
Read also: A Look at Nick Diaz's Fights
"Conor McGregor, you're taking everything I worked for, motherf--ker," Diaz said. "I'm going to fight your f--king ass. You know what the real fight, what the real money fight, is: me. Not these clowns that you already punked at the press conference. Don't no one want to see that. You know you've beat them already. That's the easy fight. You want that real s--t right here."
Winners from UFC 202
Conor McGregor's gutsy majority decision win over Nate Diaz in their rematch on Saturday in Las Vegas had quite a ripple effect across the board. It was also a surefire fight of the year, capturing the attention of the entire sports world.
Conor McGregor's Legacy
This was a must-win fight for McGregor because of the audacious nature in which he was attempting to script his legend. The more trash you talk in the fight game and bold risks you take in matchmaking, the more you are expected to back it up. Give McGregor credit for the manner in which he did so, especially considering he was essentially doubling down on the original gamble of fighting two divisions above his own weight class, where he still holds the UFC title.
The UFC
A damaging loss to McGregor, regardless of the fact that he remains the 145-pound champion, would have knocked the company's most important star down a peg. Instead, the way in which the fight played out not only illuminated McGregor's star that much more, it may have created a new one. Diaz, long the UFC's anti-hero, showed incredible heart to rally multiple times through a bloody and busted up face and a badly bruised right leg. Considering how many UFC champions have been upset this calendar year, securing an incredibly lucrative third fight between McGregor and Diaz was a best-case scenario for the company.
Nate Diaz's Wallet
A great deal of the buildup was focused on Diaz's long and winding road to the elite level and how the rivalry with McGregor had brought him the exposure and opportunity he had long deserved. Most importantly, it also brought him cash -- lots of it, in fact, helped by his stubbornness at the negotiating table now that leverage was finally on his side. Diaz may have lost on Saturday in a decision many felt could have been at least a draw, but he won out in a much bigger way by securing a third fight with McGregor. There simply isn't another fight out there that could bring Diaz the type of money and fanfare as a trilogy.
The Fans
Sometimes you just need a great fight to remind you how great the sport can be at the highest level. That was exactly what UFC 202 provided on Saturday, crossing over to the masses and captivating audiences of all kinds with seemingly endless swings of momentum and high drama that lasted until the moment the decision was read. The fight was bloody, brutal and inspiring at the same time, proving that regardless of weight -- and McGregor stated afterward he prefers a third fight be contested at 155 pounds -- these two were simply made for each other when it comes to producing excitement in the cage.
The Featherweight Division
When McGregor pleaded his case late Saturday that a third fight be contested at lightweight, he teased the notion that maybe it would also be for the title. The comment fuels speculation that McGregor is done at featherweight and could be headed toward a 155-pound title fight with Eddie Alvarez, who has been more than vocal about supporting the idea. While losing McGregor would eliminate a major payday for featherweights, it would also eliminate the need for an interim belt and the feel that McGregor is holding the division hostage as he moonlights in higher weight classes.
UFC 202 Fight Card and Payouts
The UFC 202 event featured several high-profile fights. Here's a look at the reported payouts to the fighters, as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Note that these figures do not include sponsor money or the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses.
| Fighter | Payout |
|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | $3,000,000 (no win bonus) |
| Anthony Johnson | $270,000 (includes $135,000 win bonus) |
| Donald Cerrone | $170,000 (includes $85,000 win bonus) |
| Mike Perry | $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus) |
| Tim Means | $62,000 (includes $31,000 win bonus) |
| Cody Garbrandt | $54,000 (includes $27,000 win bonus) |
| Raquel Pennington | $46,000 (includes $23,000 win bonus) |
| Artem Lobov | $26,000 (includes $13,000 win bonus) |
| Cortney Casey | $40,000 (includes $20,000 win bonus) |
| Lorenz Larkin | $78,000 (includes $39,000 win bonus) |
| Colby Covington | $42,000 (includes $21,000 win bonus) |
| Marvin Vettori | $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus) |