Considering how much of a PPV-smash hit UFC 196 was, the rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz is not to be missed.
It must be the most anticipated fight in UFC history with the least amount on the line. No belts, no records, no ranking places – the only thing Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor will be fighting for at UFC 202 is bragging rights.
McGregor will be looking to reclaim a loss for the first time in his professional career against the man who handed him his first defeat inside the UFC’s Octagon. Diaz came in as a late replacement for Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 and upset the odds by outstriking the Notorious over the course of the fight and eventually forcing the tap via rear-naked choke in the second round.
In the co-main event, knockout monsters Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira will duke it out to see who can solidify themselves as the true number-one contender in the light-heavyweight division, with a fight against champion Daniel Cormier potentially up for grabs.
.@TheNotoriousMMA explains what fans can expect from him at #UFC202. 🇮🇪👊 https://t.co/5aSy5jYJmN
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 15, 2016
When?
UFC 202 takes place at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena on Saturday August 20, with the main card beginning at 3am on Sunday morning (Irish time). The preliminary card is due to kick off 1 am, while the early prelims begin at 11:30 pm.
The Irish interest
As the headliner, McGregor vs Diaz II to be scheduled for around 5 am Irish time, although this is dependant on the length of the other fights.
If you want to see the battle of the main eventer’s teammates, we reckon Artem Lobov vs Chris Avilla should kick off some time after 1:20 am, but a quick finish in the preliminary card opener could see this fight start earlier.
ANALYSIS: Five factors that contributed to Conor McGregor's loss to Nate Diaz https://t.co/3M8obN1h2I
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 8, 2016
Who’s on it?
Early prelims:
Alberto Uda vs. Marvin Vettori
Colby Covington vs. Max Griffin
Lorenz Larkin vs. Neil Magny #7
Prelims:
Cortney Casey vs. Randa Markos #13
Chris Avila vs. Artem Lobov
Raquel Pennington #8 vs. Elizabeth Phillips
Cody Garbrandt #8 vs. Takeya Mizugaki #11
Main card:
Sabah Homasi vs. Tim Means
Hyun Gyu Lim vs. Mike Perry
Donald Cerrone #14 vs. Rick Story #9
Anthony Johnson #1 vs. Glover Teixeira #2
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz – non-title welterweight bout
Just 10 days until @Anthony_Rumble gets to throw down at #UFC202!! pic.twitter.com/rBtBHpUv2s
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 10, 2016
Where to watch?
At home
The only venue to watch the event in Ireland will be on BT Sport 2 which can only be accessed through an Eir sport pack or through Sky TV Ireland. Virgin have dropped the BT Sport package leaving their customers without any live UFC coverage.
UFC Fight Pass subscribers will be able to stream the entire card 48 hours after the main event concludes.
Viewing parties
The Red Cow Inn, Naas Rd will be livestreaming the event with doors opening at 11 pm on Saturday. It’s a strictly over 18’s event. Tickets cost €20 (€50 VIP) and you can buy them here.
The Living Room on Cathal Brugha street are showing the main card from 3 am at a ticketed event. Entry for the event is through Murrays bar. Tickets on sale at the door for €20.
Sin Nightclub on Sycamore Street, D2 will also be livestreaming the card. Tickets cost €15 and for the over 20’s event. Doors open at 10 pm with last entry at 1 am. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more information.
If you know of any other viewing parties around the country, don’t hesitate to send the information to editorial@sportsjoe.ie or hit us up on Facebook and Twitter
