Diaz, whose face was left a bloody mess by McGregor’s punches, indicated he would like to take on McGregor again.
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McGregor is still the biggest draw in the UFC, as evidenced by his three million dollar purse for Saturday’s fight, and the UFC now wants him to defend the featherweight crown he has held since defeating Jose Aldo in December a year ago, or to vacate it.
McGregor further stated: “It’s 1-1, now let’s do it again at 155lb” “Surprise, surprise, m***********!”
“I proved the class difference”. That toughness and durability that he has crept back in during the later rounds but I feel happy to come away with the win. “The Irish fans always tip way more when McGregor wins, and nothing when he loses”, she said. If you want this trilogy it’s on my terms.
Meanwhile Diaz, responded by saying he thought he should have had the decision.
However, the Dublin-born fighter looked to be tiring in the third round as the momentum shifted to Diaz, who landed a number of sickening blows to McGregor’s head and body. “I thought I won that fight”.
He said: “Hey, good job today, Conor, but we’re going for three”.
McGregor threw several leg kicks throughout the fight and was noticeably limping afterward, but he denied reports that he had injured his foot, telling reporters only that his shin is “banged up”.
After five scintillating rounds, the decision went to the judges.
The pair are already shaping up for a second rematch – something Conor wants to be on his terms this time.
When asked if he was staying at the 170lb weight range he replied: “I want to get my abs back”.
The rematch – if Diaz agrees – looks set to take place at 155lbs which will suit Conor’natural build.
Naturally, the MMA world erupted on Twitter to share their opinions mid-fight. The five-round welterweight fight is an instant front-runner for Fight of the Year.
While he paid the price for that decision – unable to take Diaz’s best punches and exhausted by the extra weight – a fully fit, stronger McGregor proved his durability.
“This battle was won, we’ll regroup and go our separate ways and we’ll gather up for another battle”.
McGregor demanded a rematch which was slated for the UFC 200 event in July, but the fight was scrubbed from the card when the Irishman failed to show for a press conference to promote the event.
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“It was a hell of a camp (and) a hell of a preparation and we got it done tonight”.
