Nate Diaz has a warning for Conor McGregor following his defeat at the hands of the Irishman at UFC 202—he wants a rematch, and he's coming for him.
The American posted as much on Instagram on Wednesday:
Notorious won the five-round epic bout via majority decision, levelling their head-to-head record at one win apiece. Here's a look at the scorecard, per Bleacher Report's Mike Chiappetta:
McGregor vs. Diaz II scorecard #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/zFJ5YdJ0bT
— Mike Chiappetta MMA (@MikeChiappetta) August 21, 2016
Fox Sports' Damon Martin hailed the contest:
Nate Diaz - 166 significant strikes landed.
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 21, 2016
Conor McGregor - 164 significant strikes. 3 knockdowns.
A war#UFC202
The brutal bout was closely fought, with both fighters enjoying spells of dominance across the five rounds. McGregor scored three knockdowns in the opening round, while Diaz finished the fifth strongly with a takedown that put the Irishman on his back.
Some of the scoring proved controversial, as was the final result in the eyes of some. Diaz clearly thought he'd done enough:
Hahaha u didn't even win ??
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 23, 2016
However, the third round—which all three judges gave to Diaz—was marked incorrectly, according to Bleacher Report's own Jonathan Snowden:
I know many of you want to see more 10-8 rounds in MMA—but round 3 of Diaz-McGregor II is a horrible example. Indefensible score.
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) August 23, 2016
There is no part in the third round where McGregor is in real trouble. Even in the last 15 seconds he dodges Diaz's haymakers. Defended well
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) August 22, 2016
As noted by ESPN's Brett Okamoto, a second rematch between the pair would yield a lucrative deal for all involved:
Per UFC, UFC 202 was third biggest PPV in company history, behind UFC 196 and 100. In other words, McGregor + Diaz = Ca$h Money.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 24, 2016
Per Bloody Elbow's Victor Rodriguez, UFC president Dana White has said the pair will have to wait for their trilogy fight, however, telling UFC reporter Megan Olivi: "We're definitely not doing this a third time right now. Um, I mean, I don't think there's anybody that doesn't want to see this fight again, but um, Conor's either gonna go defend his title or give his title up. Then we'll figure out where we go from there."
As for Diaz, White did not know who his next opponent would be. Speaking to Submission Radio (h/t Adam Guillen Jr. of MMA Mania) the day after the fight, Diaz said he would accept his next opponent "only if it's a big fight, a big deal for a big contract."
Per The Independent's Mark Critchley, Diaz is on a medical suspension until September 20 following the defeat, while McGregor is out until at least a month later, but could be suspended until February if his foot and ankle are not cleared by an orthopaedic doctor.
When the pair return to action, they will evidently be facing other opponents, but the prospect of a third fight at some point down the line—which both fighters want—will be far too lucrative to pass up.
Indeed, not only did McGregor winning the fight make the case for a rematch, but the thrilling spectacle will only enhance anticipation for it when it does come around.
