Nate Diaz (19-10) shocked the MMA world when he defeated Conor McGregor (19-3) by rear naked choke in the second round of their fight at UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.It was a huge night for underdog wins as Miesha Tate also upset the apple cart and defeated Holly Holm by rear naked choke in the fifth round of their fight to become the new bantamweight champion. Check out some photos from the Diaz/McGregor fight.
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Not Going Down
The big question was whether McGregor could take his power from the featherweight (145-pound division) to the 170-pound welterweight class. McGregor was loading up on his punches in the first round and connecting, but Diaz took all his shots and kept coming forward.SEE ALSO:8 Notorious Quotes From Conor McGregor
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Still Not Going Down
McGregor was landing some bombs, and though Diaz’s face was a bloody mess, the man would not go down. In the second round, Diaz began to find his own range with his shots. McGregor seemed to slow a little, and admitted in the press conference afterwards that he was inefficient with his energy.
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Taking Over
Diaz hurt McGregor with a sharp combination in the second stanza and the Irishman legs looked a little wobbly. It was then McGregor decided to try for a takedown. Diaz, who was a BBJ black belt from Cesar Gracie, was always going to be the favorite if it went to the ground.SEE ALSO: How UFC star Conor McGregor Trained for UFC 189
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‘I’m Not Surprised Motherf*cker’
That was what Diaz had to say to Joe Rogan after the fight. McGregor was philosophical about the defeat, saying: “I thought I took him in the first round. I’m humble in victory or defeat. I took a chance to move up a weight and it didn’t work.”SEE ALSO: How to Throw a Punch
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What’s Next for Both Guys
McGregor tapped out and Herb Dean stopped the fight with 4:12 gone in the second round. When asked what he would like next, Diaz told the press that he is at the top now and he doesn’t care. Had McGregor won the fight, there had been talk of a super fight with Robbie Lawler at UFC 200. All of that is now gone, and McGregor told journalists at the press conference after the fight that he is likely to return to the featherweight division and defend his title there. A rematch with Jose Aldo or a fight with Frankie Edgar is most likely for McGregor.SEE ALSO:Heavy Bag Kickboxing Cardio Blast
Nate Diaz (19-10) shocked the MMA world when he defeated Conor McGregor (19-3) by rear naked choke in the second round of their fight at UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
It was a huge night for underdog wins as Miesha Tate also upset the apple cart and defeated Holly Holm by rear naked choke in the fifth round of their fight to become the new bantamweight champion. Check out some photos from the Diaz/McGregor fight.
Not Going Down
The big question was whether McGregor could take his power from the featherweight (145-pound division) to the 170-pound welterweight class. McGregor was loading up on his punches in the first round and connecting, but Diaz took all his shots and kept coming forward.
McGregor was landing some bombs, and though Diaz’s face was a bloody mess, the man would not go down. In the second round, Diaz began to find his own range with his shots. McGregor seemed to slow a little, and admitted in the press conference afterwards that he was inefficient with his energy.
Taking Over
Diaz hurt McGregor with a sharp combination in the second stanza and the Irishman legs looked a little wobbly. It was then McGregor decided to try for a takedown. Diaz, who was a BBJ black belt from Cesar Gracie, was always going to be the favorite if it went to the ground.
That was what Diaz had to say to Joe Rogan after the fight. McGregor was philosophical about the defeat, saying: “I thought I took him in the first round. I’m humble in victory or defeat. I took a chance to move up a weight and it didn’t work.”
McGregor tapped out and Herb Dean stopped the fight with 4:12 gone in the second round. When asked what he would like next, Diaz told the press that he is at the top now and he doesn’t care. Had McGregor won the fight, there had been talk of a super fight with Robbie Lawler at UFC 200. All of that is now gone, and McGregor told journalists at the press conference after the fight that he is likely to return to the featherweight division and defend his title there. A rematch with Jose Aldo or a fight with Frankie Edgar is most likely for McGregor.
