It won’t be happening on December 30, but it’s in the pipeline, that’s for sure.
A report from the Sunday World took by many as gospel, was, in reality, tripe, but that doesn’t mean one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in the history of the UFC, in a deciding third meeting of Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz isn’t in the works.
The words ‘Irish outlet’ accompanying speculation that the trilogy would occur at UFC 219 on December 30, proved too irresistible for publications worldwide to refuse, but these rumours were soon shot down by top brass.
There was still lots of hope to cling to, that one of the UFC’s fiercest rivalries would be renewed, and the latest comments from McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh will only set the wheels in motion for the proverbial hype train.
St. Patrick’s day is his preferred date, New York is his chosen venue.
Though the Notorious’ Irish following would have been hoping that the fight would take place sooner, rather than later, nobody can argue that those arrangements wouldn’t be absolutely class.
The 40-year-old was speaking to MMA Fighting when he revealed his wishes for the trilogy.
“If it was my choice, and I must stress that this is only my choice and that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, it would be Nate Diaz in March,” Kavanagh said.
“That’s what I would push towards. I have in my head that it would be a Paddy’s Day card in New York, Nate Diaz 3. I think that would be absolutely amazing. That’s what I would wish for.
Kavanagh then went on to underplay his role in deciding on the practicals of the fight, but you’d have to question his motives for making such comments if there was no basis for them.
It does sound like the perfect formula, anyway.
“That’s what I’ll be leaning towards with my 0.1 percent influence when I meet with Conor and (manager) Audie (Attar) tomorrow. I want Diaz 3, Paddy’s Day in New York,” he added.
McGregor and Diaz have split two spellbinding fights, the scores have to be settled, and what better time, what better place?
