Are Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz best buds all of a sudden?
Probably more likely is that Diaz was trying to quickly put himself in McGregor’s mind for an undeniably lucrative rubber match with ‘The Notorious’ after he became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two UFC titles simultaneously.
In spite of McGregor’s clear expression of a desire to step away from the sport so that he can be present for the birth of his first child and until he receives an equity share in the UFC, Diaz will be hoping for the biggest payday of his career.
In truth, Diaz is likely still a victory away from receiving a shot at the UFC lightweight title that the Irishman now calls his own but who’s to say that he doesn’t get back in the win column during McGregor’s time away from the Octagon?
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson are ahead of Diaz in the pecking order at 155lbs but with the narrative that already exists between the Stockton fighter and McGregor, the UFC could well go down the line of a trilogy.
Both fighters have a victory over each other, with the Dubliner avenging his UFC 196 defeat to Diaz in their rematch at UFC 202.
The deciding third match-up would likely be the most marketable bout at the UFC’s disposal right now and Diaz wasted no time in getting close to McGregor as he and brother Nick were filmed by TMZ leaving the New York City nightclub at which McGregor was celebrating his knockout victory over Eddie Alvarez on Saturday night.
Marquee hosted the shindig which was packed out with McGregor’s friends and training partners but, judging by their composure on their departure, the Diaz brothers managed to enjoy their evening without engaging in a brawl.
And given their track record, that was always a distinct possibility.
