It’s Big Fights or Nothing for UFC 202’s Nate Diaz

Conor McGregor suffered his first UFC career loss at the hands of  Nate Diaz at UFC 196.  He immediately asked for a rematch.  His desire to get a second crack at Diaz was understandable.  Avenging the loss is the only thing on a competitor’s mind after being defeated.

Diaz agreed to the rematch, and the bout was originally slated to take place at UFC 200.  McGregor was removed from the fight card after refusing to participate in the media obligations to promote the event, while Diaz upheld his end of the media blitz.  

The fight was rebooked to headline UFC 202, but Diaz wanted to negotiate a new deal.  His bout agreement was for UFC 200, not UFC 202.  A deal was finally reached, and the rematch was back on the calendar.

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Diaz’s reasons for accepting the rematch were far different from his Irish opponent’s.  Diaz wanted to get paid.

“I’ve fought everybody in the UFC. I’ve been fighting forever. So if I’m going to fight, it’s going to be a big deal fight, not just a fight,” said Diaz on the UFC 202 media conference call.

It’s all or nothing for the Stockton, Calif., native.  He wants high-profile fights and big paydays, or he’s not interested in fighting.

“I was ahead of everybody as far as a following in the UFC. I was the biggest draw, the biggest everything in every weight class.

“And then Conor came around and then he was the biggest draw. He’s got a big push, everyone was all about the UFC and Conor McGregor. So if I’m going to fight somebody, it’s going to be a big deal. I’m not just finding fights just to fight because I can make just as much money outside of the ring as in the ring,” he said.

“I want to get a big payday. I’m going to have a big fight. If not, then I’m not going to (expletive) around no more.”

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