Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
The former UFC title contender doesn’t sound like he was too impressed by Conor McGregor’s fight with Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
UFC 246 seems to have left a lasting argument in its wake. For many during the lead up, the main event between Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone had the look and feel of a tune-up. A notable name matchup for McGregor, that nonetheless presented a perfect compliment to his fast-starting, power-punching style.
And that’s more or less how the fight itself played out—with McGregor starching ‘Cowboy’ in the opening minute of the bout. However, it was a result that, even for fans and pundits that may have seen it coming, felt somewhat anti-climactic. And has brought some notable backlash with it.
ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith lambasted Cerrone’s performance in the fight, a critique that – in and of itself – drew responses from both Conor McGregor and Joe Rogan.
But, if Stephen A. was “disgusted” and felt that Cowboy “gave up,” it seems he’s got a couple of notable supporters in his read on the fight. Chael Sonnen backed up Smith’s view, and now he’s been joined by the man who gave McGregor two of the hardest fights of his career, former lightweight title contender Nate Diaz.
“Rogan and Conor should give Stephen Smith a apology,” Diaz wrote in a Tweet posted on Thursday, January 29th, in response to the ‘Notorious’ former champion’s own demand that Smith apologize to Rogan and Cerrone.
Rogan and Conor should give Stephen Smith a apology he said what it was
The fight was over before it started
Get offfeachothers nuts— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 30, 2020
Diaz was last seen in the cage taking on top ranked welterweight Jorge Masvidal for the UFC’s hastily constructed ‘BMF’ title. He lost the bout via doctor’s stoppage at the end of the third round. And while he bides his time waiting for a new potential fight, the war of words over UFC 246 and Donald Cerrone’s performance appears to be keeping everyone busy.