UFC Fight News: McGregor, Diaz Set for a Rematch in UFC 200
Even though the trash-talking Conor McGregor lost the highly publicized bout against late fill-in Nate Diaz in UFC 196, it appears that he still has his way when it comes to choosing who to fight next. After all, he is the Floyd Mayweather of mixed martial arts: that one fighter who brings in the most cash in any given night.
And as requested, the former UFC champion will be going up against his tormentor for the second time in the hope of regaining lost glory and pride. According to multiple reports, both men are once again to face each other for UFC 200; a fight card that has the makings of being the biggest event in the history of mixed martial arts.
Dana White's fighting business is facing a lot of uncertainties right now, according to Rolling Stone. This is because three of its biggest stars are unlikely to make a return to the Octagon anytime soon. Former women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is still in some sort of rest, Georges St-Pierre is semi-retired, and Anderson Silva is dealing with his own issues. So that leaves no one else as big a star as McGregor to carry the load.
Even though McGregor lost to Diaz in a major upset, the Irish fighter is still the UFC featherweight champ because their last fight was at welterweight. There's also good reason for McGregor to insist on a rematch because the loss to Diaz was his first.
It's not a popular decision, but White is in a position where no one else can tell him what to do and what not to do. The immediate rematch is very unfamiliar in a sport where fighters are genuinely hurt right after a bout. But in this case, both are expected to be cleared and fit to fight once the plan pushes through for the July fight card.
Even Diaz himself called it a "crazy" idea, but who is he to complain? McGregor is the star. He gets what he wants.
