Conor McGregor wasn’t impressed with Nate Diaz’s professional boxing debut.
On August 5, Diaz fought outside the UFC for the first time in over fifteen years. The Stockton native decided to switch things up and fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a ten-round professional bout at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas.
The boxing match didn’t go as planned for Diaz, with Paul emerging victorious by unanimous decision (98-91 x2 and 97-92).
Most people weren’t impressed with Nate Diaz’s performance, including his longtime rival Conor McGregor. During a quick interview with All Out Fighting, McGregor had this to say about Diaz’s recent boxing match:
“It was not great, not great. I’d like to see him back in MMA.”
In March 2016, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz headlined UFC 196 after an intense buildup fueled by hatred for one another. On that night, Diaz shocked the world and submitted McGregor in the second round, handing ‘The Notorious’ his first UFC loss.
Five months later, the MMA legends met again, and McGregor flipped the script by securing a majority decision. Since then, fans have questioned whether or not the must-see trilogy bout will happen before they retire.
7 years ago today Conor Mcgregor outlasted the "cardio king" Nate Diaz and won a majority decision 🏆🇮🇪❤️ pic.twitter.com/lssmoYJiC1
— 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦💍🇫🇷 (@affewrld) August 20, 2023
Conor McGregor says he owes Nate Diaz a rematch in the UFC
Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz have voiced their interest in fighting for a third time in the Octagon. During the same interview with All Out Fighting, McGregor had this to say about potentially fighting Diaz in a trilogy bout:
“I owe him a rematch. I owe him a fight. I owe Nate the fight, so I’ve got to obligate that. He gave me my rematch, and I got the best of him.”
Conor McGregor is nearing a UFC return after suffering a severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Once he’s approved by USADA, ‘The Notorious’ will fight Michael Chandler, who he coached against for The Ultimate Fighter Season 31.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear what’s next for Nate Diaz. The Stockton native has repeatedly said he plans to fight in the UFC again, but another opportunity could temporarily steer him away from that decision.
Watch Conor McGregor’s quick interview with All Out Fighting below:
