Now that UFC 205 is firmly in the rear view mirror, it’s all about looking ahead.
Conor McGregor’s historic victory has led to varying possibilities across multiple divisions, but today we’ll focus on lightweight. Particularly intriguing fights for McGregor include Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson and Nate Diaz at 155 pounds. With Diaz fans calling out for the trilogy fight, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of McGregor vs. Diaz 3. As with any booking at this level, the ramifications are widespread and often hard to pin down.
Meeting twice in 2016, ‘The Notorious’ and Nate Diaz shared an intense and entertaining rivalry. First doing battle at UFC 196 in an impromptu welterweight clash, the Cesar Gracie grappler turned boxer upset the Irishman in a blaze of glory. Perhaps the weight change impacted his performance, maybe he was just facing the better man on the night, but the reaction was a craving for more. Amid a stream of humorous/hurtful memes and video edits of their first fight, the rematch was instantly booked for UFC 200. Eventually taking place at UFC 202, McGregor vs. Diaz 2 was a wholly different, but equally enthralling affair.
It Ain’t Over
Absurdly fun and thrilling throughout, the UFC 202 main event left the door swinging wide open to a trilogy match. McGregor had won the split decision, fulfilling his desire to beat Diaz in their do-over at 170 pounds. UFC president Dana White shut down calls for a trilogy fight from a frustrated Diaz, but what transpired at UFC 205 has re-energised that trail of thought. Once again this rivalry could prove highly influential on the featherweight division primarily, but also lightweight now.
Filling the number four spot in the official rankings, Diaz sits behind surging contenders Nurmagomedov and Ferguson. This may prove a hurdle if the UFC decides to go ahead with this rematch now, especially considering recent circumstances. Ferguson convincingly defeated former champ Rafael dos Anjos, and ‘The Eagle’ completely steamrolled Michael Johnson at UFC 205. Already stating he’d stir up issues for the UFC if not granted the next title shot, Nurmagomedov is a difficult man to overlook.
Money
We may not like it, some of us may prefer it, but the UFC has been seeking out those big money fights. When this happens, rankings become rather obsolete. Certainly in the case of McGregor’s recent bouts, the promotion has been scheduling fights with the dollar sign ahead of the rankings in priority. This isn’t to cast a negative light on the sport, rather to point out the evolution of MMA into mainstream entertainment.
With that in mind, the time could certainly be right for the McGregor/Diaz trilogy. Would this scrap sell more than any of the other top lightweights right now? Most probably yes, but picture this; what if Nate Diaz wins? He’s already a superstar after their two existing wars, but a title-winning victory over McGregor at his apparently premium weight would send Diaz in to the stratosphere. Outside of the ramifications for the lightweight division or for either man’s career and legacy, what about the featherweight category and title?
Unfinished Business
Although Conor McGregor toppled Jose Aldo with a single strike at UFC 194, there is unfinished business at featherweight with ‘Scarface.’ The Irish striker’s absence from the division has led to an interim title, one that was wrapped around the waist of Aldo at UFC 200. Defeating Frankie Edgar with a decision on July 9, Aldo assured his place in line for the next title shot. Now if McGregor does come back down, fighters like Max Holloway will have to wait.
As long as Aldo has that junior strap, it would be absurd for the promotion to have McGregor fight anyone else at featherweight. Now if McGregor retires the belt, which is in the cards according to Dana White, that frees up the division again. Essentially, a trilogy fight between McGregor and Diaz could free up an incredible pairing of Aldo vs. Holloway for the vacant belt. Who knows, maybe the UFC allows McGregor to keep both belts, maybe he goes for a third.
At this stage anything can happen, so would now be the right time for McGregor vs. Diaz 3? That all depends on which way you look at it, and any fight booking involving McGregor is going to cause ramifications in multiple divisions.
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