Search icon

MMA

25th Aug 2016

Daniel Cormier reveals Nate Diaz lost more than a fight at UFC 202

Change of plans

Patrick McCarry

Nate Diaz has lost to 10 opponents in his mixed martial arts career and would dearly love another crack at each of them.

Benson Henderson and now, according to reports, Rory MacDonald are now in Bellator but Diaz would happily sign on the dotted line if he was offered a do-over against the other eight.

Top of that list is Conor McGregor. A trilogy fight will happen; it’s only a matter of time.

McGregor avenged his UFC 196 loss to Diaz, last Saturday, and both men immediately spoke about their next fight. Dana White insists Conor McGregor must defend his UFC Featherweight strap next but there could be another option. That option was a fight Diaz had in his sights until he gave one up to The Notorious.

UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier told FOX Sports’ UFC Tonight that Diaz was guaranteed the first shot at new lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez IF he had beaten McGregor.

That shot appears to have passed the Stockton native by, for now. Indeed, in the latest UFC rankings, Diaz has slipped a place to the No.5 ranked lightweight. Diaz and McGregor traded a win apiece at 170 lbs but neither figure in the welterweight top 15.

Cormier also weighed in with his take on McGregor’s next move:

“I think Conor’s next fight will be against Jose Aldo. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to 155 lb to fight for the lightweight title.”

Judging by Diaz’ Instagram post, on Wednesday, he is not overly concerned with missing out on a shot at gold:

By this time last fight I had already accepted rematch.. Rest up. I'm coming for you…..

A photo posted by natediaz209 (@natediaz209) on

‘By this time last fight I had already accepted rematch,’ he posted. ‘Rest up. I’m coming for you.’

Diaz could do with resting up some himself. His focus appears to be purely on McGregor but both men could be diverted until next year.

On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.