Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz battle once again in the Octagon at UFC 202 on Saturday as Notorious attempts to gain revenge after the Californian humbled and defeated the Irishman via submission.
The huge upset came at UFC 196. Diaz filled in for the injured Rafael Dos Anjos at short notice, taking advantage of an overconfident and gassed superstar.
McGregor had packed on muscle for the bout with Dos Anjos, and his lack of mobility, stamina and sharpness was his downfall in the welterweight fight in March.
The rematch has been delayed by farce and rescheduling, but the mixed martial artists are now ready to lock horns once again in one of the most anticipated fights in recent MMA history.
Here is a look at the latest betting numbers, according to Odds Shark:
For the latest ticket information: ScoreBig.com.
McGregor Must Prove Himself Once Again
Diaz shocked the world when he took on McGregor at the height of his powers and defeated the global icon. Notorious had an invincible edge to him, and his stock was inflated when he came crashing back to earth at the hands of his American nemesis.
McGregor attempted an early finish of Diaz when they first met, but the Californian’s defence was vital and indestructible, allowing him to counter with menace and aggression.
The rematch is at 170 pounds, once again lending a disadvantage to the charismatic fighter from Dublin.
McGregor would certainly be suited to a lower weight classification and cannot afford another defeat, which would potentially ruin his brand image.
The touchpaper was lit as the two men faced off in a press conference to promote the contest on Wednesday. As expected, McGregor was full of his usual rage and bravado. The scene descended into anarchy, as both fighters threw water bottles and cans at each other as tensions exploded.
The exchange can be seen here, via MMAjunkie (warning: NSFW language and hand gestures):
MMA journalist Chamatkar Sandhu gave his verdict on the altercation:
The pre-fight press conference has added more hype to an occasion that doesn’t need it, but the Notorious One is clearly motivated and ready to prove his doubters wrong.
When you remove the trash-talking element of McGregor’s personality, he is an individual who has helped deliver a new audience to the UFC, and his continued success is in the interest of both the company and the fighter.
Diaz is not the box office name MMA fans want to see drawn with Notorious after UFC 202, but it is vital the Irishman wins, and in a convincing manner.
With the contest at a weight that doesn’t suit McGregor, it is impossible to say with full conviction he will win. Diaz has already proved he has his opponent’s number, and he will want to show the world the depth of his talent.
However, McGregor’s knockout success is legendary, and he rarely loses, stretching back to his pre-UFC days.
If the Irish kingpin can knock out Jose Aldo with one punch, he can do the same to the Cesar Gracie product.
Prediction: McGregor by TKO
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