DIAZ VS MCGREGOR
So it has happened, the MMA gods have smiled upon us mere mortals and blessed us with a gift of epic proportions. UFC 196, was on life support, due to Raphael Dos Anjos pulling out from a broken foot. As soon as I heard the news, I started campaigning for Nate Diaz to fill in the vacant spot. Nate's last fight against Johnson was almost a clinic, and he broke Johnson down to get the win. Soon after the fight, Nate Diaz, called out Conor McGregor, however Conor ended up being matched up with Dos Anjos for a title shot. As the gods have had it, Nate Diaz, on two weeks notice has been chosen to fight McGregor. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a serious fan of both Diaz brothers, so there's no question, who I want to win.
There are a few factors facing this fight, and these must be considered. The main factor is the two week notice. Now, Conor, has to change his game plan to suit Diaz's fighting style, and pace. Diaz's fighting style is pretty much always the same, so he needs to pay attention to McGregor's tips, and signals, when he fights. I don't doubt Nate's conditioning, because both Diaz brothers are notorious for being in great shape in between fights. Conor was preparing for the fight anyway, so, there's not much to worry about as far as conditioning. The second major factor is, weight. The fight has been agreed to take place at 170lbs., which isn't bad for Diaz, but, might make McGregor a little slower. The weight may be more advantageous to Diaz, because, Diaz won't have to cut too much, and his style is built on volume. I've never seen McGregor, fight at 170, but, he is moving up 2 weight classes for this fight, which can be taxing in the conditioning department, carrying the extra weight. The last and final issue, is marijuana. Will Nate test clean? At this point, it doesn't really matter, because we wanna see the damn fight. If Nate wins, but, gets disqualified due to weed, everyone will remember the win. Like when Nate's brother Nick beat Gomi in Pride, and they disqualified him for testing positive for weed. The fight was glorious, and Nick won, fuck the record book in my opinion. These factors make a difference, but, I also believe the timing and weight, make the fight a bit more even.
Of course, the thing that everyone is looking forward to, is the trash talk. There's a difference tho. I believe when McGregor talks trash, there's a certain level of acting taking place. I've heard that some people say that, McGregor believes what he says, and I agree to a certain degree. I also believe, that he is psyching his opponent out, and when he thinks that's happened, his confidence goes thru the roof. Diaz tho, has a warriors mentality. Nate and Nick, are special characters, because they look at fighting in the traditional sense, as a life and death experience. So when they talk trash, they are doing it for traditional reasons. You are my enemy, trying to take my life, and I will not let you do that. Neither Diaz brother has ever backed down, and I don't expect Nate to do it now. Regardless of what Conor says, Nate is going in with huge chip on his shoulder, because the Diaz brothers have done what Conor is doing, and yet they aren't getting the notoriety that Conor is getting. I think, there will be some trash talk, but, it's gonna come down to the fight.
Stylistically, I think Diaz wins the fight because of his volume style and conditioning. I think McGregor is flashy, but, the Diaz brothers are well known for surviving the early onslaught, to drag the tired explosive fighters into deeper waters, where they feel comfortable. If the fight goes to the ground, I don't think McGregor has a jiu jitsu game comparable to Nate's. In all likelihood, I see Diaz winning the fight. When Mendes stepped in for Aldo, Mendes actually did well against Conor, however he was exhausted and got caught. Also, that fight was a significant size difference. This fight should be a bit more even, and I see Diaz taking this fight, via decision or submission, although I would love to see McGregor KO'd. If Diaz wins, he should get an automatic title fight, after this. As usual.... WAR DIAZ!!!
SIDE NOTE: I WATCHED THE UFC 196 PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY AND MY HEART POUNDED AT THE FACE OFF. THERE'S A LOT OF SPECULATION GOING INTO THE FIGHT, BUT, I STILL HAVE DIAZ IN THIS FIGHT. I BASE THIS OFF THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION, THE EXPERIENCE, AND I BELIEVE THE TRASH TALK HAS ANNOYED DIAZ, BUT, NOT PSYCHED HIM OUT. I TRULY BELIEVE, THIS WILL BE MCGREGOR'S, ROUSEY MOMENT. I LOVE DIAZ, AND HIS ATTITUDE/FOCUS WILL ONLY SHARPEN AS THE FIGHT GETS CLOSER. I SENSE A BIT OF RESPECT, AND, POSSIBLY NERVOUSNESS ON CONOR'S PART, AND I BELIEVE HIS TRASH TALKING IS PROBABLY TO PSYCH HIMSELF OUT, BECUASE HE NOW KNOWS THAT FACING DIAZ, PUTS EVERYTHING ON THE LINE. WITH THAT BEING SAID....WAR DIAZ, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!!! - 925