The mixed martial arts (MMA) birds are chirping and they’re saying Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight titleholder Conor McGregor may very well meet Nate Diaz in a rematch at UFC 200 on July 9, 2016.
Remember, Diaz stifled the Irishman’s advancements in a Welterweight showdown at UFC 196 earlier this month, earning the second-round submission win and disrupting the promotion’s grand plans for “Mystic Mac” in the process.
As one might think, plenty of pundits around the sport are already discussing the reboot and analyzing the changes that McGregor can make in order to avenge his lone UFC loss. But,none of them may know the truth behind McGregor’s potential in a rematch better than Straight Blast Gym member and UFC Welterweight Gunnar Nelson.
“I think he will take his time and pick him apart a bit better,” said Nelson in a recent interview with The Daily Star. “I think Diaz won’t be able to get him down when Conor is on and he reserves his energy and his balance is there. Diaz is a tough guy and he’s used to being in there but he should’ve put him away. But, I think he can if he takes his time.”
While many think that Diaz is simply too polished on the feet and on the ground for McGregor to do anything different the second time around, the Irishman’s Icelandic training partner believes it will be more about conditioning.
“He punched himself out a little bit and didn’t reserve his energy as well as he could’ve,” added Nelson. “And I believe that’s what cost him the fight. And I think it will be different if they fight again.”
If Nelson is right, McGregor will take his time against Diaz at UFC 200 and regain any momentum he lost with the crushing loss this March.