During the build-up of UFC 196, featherweight world champion Conor McGregor promised to finish Nate Diaz inside one round, ripping on the latter’s “soft body and lack of preparation.”
Unfortunately, the exact opposite happened, and instead, “The Notorious” was dealt with his first UFC loss via second round rear-naked choke.
Pundits and fans alike have made their respective speculations and reasons behind McGregor’s loss. While some attribute it to him jumping up in weight class, others point it to Diaz’s advantage on the ground and his own striking craft.
But for McGregor and his team, it was the lack of efficiency during the fight that led to the loss. And according to training partner Gunnar Nelson, it won’t be happening the second time around, if it does materialize.
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“I think he will take his time and pick him apart a bit better,” Nelson told Daily Star. “I think Diaz won’t be able to get him down when Conor is on, and he reserves his energy and his balance is there.”
Nelson did recognize and gave props to Diaz’s toughness and grit. But at the same time, he maintained that McGregor’s smarts and proficiency would be the story of the rematch.
“I think the second (fight) Conor will pick him apart, but I think he’ll take a little bit more time doing it,” he continued. “Diaz is a tough guy and he’s used to being in there, but he (McGregor) should’ve put him away. But I think he can if he takes his time.”
The rematch between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor has been reportedly scheduled to headline UFC 200 on July 9th in Las Vegas.