We are a little over a week away from the biggest fight of Conor McGregor’s career.
The UFC featherweight champion could have his legacy seriously damaged if he falls to Nate Diaz at UFC 202, on August 20.
‘The Notorious’ was submitted by Diaz at UFC 196 and has thrown out his old training and dietary regime to focus on enduring a potential five-round war with the Californian.
Conor McGregor reveals how he foresees Nate Diaz rematch ending https://t.co/DBCPvpbu9E
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 5, 2016
McGregor has already allowed himself a glimpse into the future and it involves avenging his March loss in Las Vegas and completing a trilogy against Diaz. During the UFC 202 conference call, McGregor said:
“100%, of course. Most certainly this will be a trilogy fight. Me and the boy have something, and it ain’t finished yet.”
UFC commentator Kenny Florian said what just about everybody is thinking about the rematch during a podcast chat with John Anik and veteran MMA coach Ray Longo. He said:
“There’s more money in it for Nate if he loses.”
Diaz will earn seven figures for his outing at UFC 202, which is a gigantic step up from the €20,000 to fight, €20,000 to win deal he previously had with the promotion. Even if Diaz were to beat the Dubliner and get himself a title shot, against UFC Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, it would not make anywhere near as much money as seeing out a Diaz trilogy.
Were McGregor to even the score, the interest in a tie-settling third bout would be huge.
Longo agreed with Florian’s take. “If you’re telling me there’s no [future] money involved and they’re going to fight in 12 days, I’m picking Nate Diaz,” he said.
“You’re not even talking about money. You’re talking an obscene amount of money and that part of it scares me.”
