Will a Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz Trilogical Rumble Really Happen?

The difficult task of predicting the future is indeed a challenging one, especially when it comes to the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Among the many debates surrounding the continuation of a potential third fight between two of UFC's most memorable fighters, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, many opinions are divided. Let's dive into the reasons why a third battle might just take place.

Reasons to Think It Won't Happen

No. I’m Excited but...: Initial reactions lean towards a negative prospect for a third fight. Despite the excitement of seeing McGregor and Diaz in the Octagon again, the history of their previous encounters casts a long shadow. McGregor’s momentum has been derailed by losses to notables such as Floyd Mayweather, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Nate Diaz himself. Each loss chips away at the narrative that once made him a belief-defying underdog. Diaz’s success in recent bouts adds to the pressure, as he seems to be the perfect opponent for winning against McGregor.

No Nate Won: Another argument against a third fight revolves around the judges’ scoring. Not everyone is convinced by the majority decision that Israel Borquez made in favor of McGregor. The need for more tangible achievements and real fighter matchups, like}
“Cowboy” >96 Royce Gracie, leads to a desire for a more competitive and action-packed spectacle.

Reasons It Should Happen

Conor’s Official Promise: It’s important to acknowledge that Conor has publicly promised to give Nate a rematch whenever he wants. This makes a third fight far from a fanciful idea. The financial stakes involved are also significant. Given that this non-title clash is reportedly McGregor's biggest payday, it underscores the importance and profitability of such a fight. The addition of a 165-pound belt would make it even more lucrative, aligning with both fighters' interests.

Keep McGregor Out of the Lightweight Title Picture: Beyond financial and win-loss incentives, there’s an arguably more pressing reason to consider a third fight. McGregor's continuous pursuit of the Lightweight title has become a challenge for the division. Numerous contenders have been overlooked in favor of McGregor’s shadow looms. Thus, a third fight could serve as a way to keep McGregor busy with Diaz, ensuring other deserving fighters get their chance at the Lightweight championship.

The Tension of a Close Second Encounter: The second fight was a nail-biter, with McGregor winning by a majority decision. The closeness and the ongoing trash talk between the two fighters create a compelling atmosphere. Even if Diaz wins against Amanda Poirier, the sentiment of a McGregor vs. Diaz rematch remains strong. The anticipation and fan interest are too high to ignore.

A Triumvirate of Future Fights

Conor McGregor’s Next Moves: Speculating further into the future, if McGregor were to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov, he would likely fight Georges St. Pierre (GSP). However, if Khabib were to triumph, McGregor would face Nate Diaz. This scenario provides a clear path for McGregor's future, depending on the outcome of the highly anticipated McGregor versus Khabib bout. It's worth noting that another Khabib rematch is not out of the question if the initial fight ended in a competitive, close match.

Final Verdict

Yes, It Should Happen: Despite the initial reluctance, the collective sentiment seems to favor a third fight. The mutual respect between McGregor and Diaz, combined with the fan and financial incentives, make it a highly probable event. The prospect of revisiting the "Dance of the Chicken" and the classic confrontations between the two fighters is too significant to pass up. The anticipation and the promise of another legendary matchup offer a compelling reason to believe that a Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz trilogical battle is on the horizon.

Cheers!