Conor McGregor was asked, post-UFC 202, what he said to Nate Diaz after their five-round war.
“You’re a (freaking) Mexican warrior. I’m spent. We’ll do it again.”
That was close but it wasn’t exactly it.
One of the best ways to get over the post-fight blues is to watch the always excellent ‘Thrill and the Agony’ video pieces produced by the UFC. The UFC 202 edition is no different.
The fighters that gave their all on that memorable main event card all feature. One of the most poignant moments features bantamweight Takeya Mizugaki, who was stopped by Cody Garbrandt in the first round. He embraces his coach and contemplates an uncertain future.
We see Anthony Johnson being promised a title shot by UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier before the focus turns to McGregor-Diaz II.
At the end of their five rounds of pure grit, guts and, for McGregor, glory, both men think they have done enough. Gilbert Melendez tells Nate Diaz he has three rounds in the bag. McGregor believes he has won four but John Kavanagh, his coach, says ‘three of five’.
Before McGregor’s hand is raised in victory, he embraces Diaz:
“Great fight brother. Great f**king fight. You’re a Mexican warrior. You’re a little Mexican warrior brother.”
The respect between both men is clear to see. For a few minutes at least, the bad blood of the past six months is put to one side.
Diaz reflects on a tough loss in his dressing room while McGregor calls out the doubters, backstage, before stopping for some congratulations from rapper Kanye West.
Check out the full edition below or on UFC Fight Pass.
Great viewing.
On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
