UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor is willing to face Nate Diaz for the third time. However, the next fight should be in the lightweight division according to him. In a recent interview with BBC News, McGregor said he lost to Diaz at 170 (welterweight) and the rematch, which he won, took place in the same weight class. The Irish emphasized that during that time, he never requested for Diaz to go down to 155 pounds. That is why he thinks it is fair now to ask Diaz to return to the lightweight division if he is interested in a rubber match.
Making 155 pounds will not be that difficult for Diaz.
The 32-year-old spent the majority of his MMA career competing as a lightweight. Nearly five years ago, he even fought for the UFC lightweight title which then belonged to Benson Henderson. Meanwhile, McGregor joined the promotion as a featherweight. He captured the featherweight title in 2015 before his rivalry with Diaz began. In November of 2016, he defeated Eddie Alvarez to take the lightweight crown that he is yet to defend.
Justin Gaethje wants McGregor
It is undetermined who will be the next man that battles McGregor inside the octagon. Aside from Diaz, the names of Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov are in the conversation. However, it could be a UFC newcomer who gets the opportunity.
Justin Gaethje, who just made his UFC debut last July, is confident that he has a chance. Gaethje told the media on Wednesday that when McGregor comes back, he would want to fight the "most dangerous guy." The 28-year-old believes that is going to be him once he knocks out Alvarez. Gaethje will collide with the former lightweight champ on December 1 at the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 26.
McGregor blames cardio
In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, McGregor shared his thoughts on his loss to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. First, "The Notorious" thanked the fans and his team. The UFC titleholder then stated that if they were able to make the little adjustments in training and had more time, he would last 12 rounds.
Following this, McGregor detailed his preparation for the bout, before congratulating and praising Mayweather.
Just coming back around after a whirlwind couple of days.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2017
Thank you to all the fans for the… https://t.co/doJJAnyRvc
McGregor suffered a technical knockout defeat at the hands of Mayweather last Saturday. Despite this, the kingpin of the UFC's lightweight division impressed and surprised many. He was able to hang in there versus arguably the greatest boxer of all time whose record improved to 50-0.