McGregor took a majority decision on scores of 48-47, 47-47, 48-47.
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Currently, the featherweight champ, McGregor (19-3) had lost to Diaz via a second-round submission in his most recent bout back in March after moving up to welterweight.
“I proved the class difference but that toughness and durability crept in in the later rounds”, said McGregor afterwards.
The future for Diaz is a little less clear.
On Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena both fighters did heavy damage but neither could find the knockout blow over five bloody rounds. “Just as I expected, he was going to slow down and I was going to speed up”.
McGregor arrived to the press conference on crutches, explaining that he injured his shin through the multiple leg kicks he landed on Diaz.
All throughout the build-up to his second fight with Nate Diaz at UFC 202, Conor McGregor said that there would be a trilogy fight between he and the rugged Stockton native. “I had to pick my spots and take him out”. UFC president Dana White stated that he wants McGregor to defend his title first at 145-pounds and that a third fight is not on his plans “right now”.
Diaz was equally complimentary towards his victorious opponent after the fight, saying “Hey, good job today, Conor”.
“I’m coming for you Daniel”, Johnson said after the fight, speaking to current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who was seated near the cage. “I’ve got to figure out what’s next”.
McGregor walks away with the biggest UFC purse ever at $3 million, while Diaz gets $2 million. “I’m still happy to come out here with a win”.
There is also the issue that Conor McGregor will insist on fighting Diaz at 155-pounds and not 170-pounds. “He brought out the best in me”.
The fight went to the ground for the only time in the closing moments when Diaz finally dragged McGregor down, but it was too late.
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Diaz went down again twice early in the second, although McGregor failed to capitalize and finish off his grounded adversary. Now he wants a third fight on his terms.
