A rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz is likely to end up being the main event at UFC 200 this summer.
According to a report from MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani, the UFC is close to finalizing this matchup and is expected to make an official announcement in the near future.
Diaz, who was a late replacement for injured lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, submitted McGregor late in the second round of their UFC 196 main event bout earlier this month.
Even though McGregor is the UFC’s featherweight (145-pound division) champion and Diaz is a natural lightweight (155-pound division) their fight took place at the welterweight limit of 170 pounds. What’s somewhat puzzling is the rematch is reportedly set to take place at welterweight once again.
Monetarily speaking, an immediate rematch is a no-brainer. UFC president Dana White told ESPN Radio in the days following UFC 196 that the MMA promotion “broke so many records,” before adding, “It was the biggest pay-per-view we ever did. Social media was ridiculous.”
A rematch, on what will be the most anticipated UFC card since UFC 100 no less, would in all likelihood break even more records for the company.
From a competitive standpoint, however, an immediate rematch raises questions because the first fight was not controversial in any way. Diaz won fair and square. An immediate rematch in a situation like this is extremely rare.
The day after his loss, McGregor released a memorable statement in which he said, “Nate I will see you again,” indicating his desire for a rematch at some point.
But at the post-fight press conference McGregor mentioned he thought he’d drop back down to 145 pounds for his next bout and defend his featherweight title — either in a rematch with Aldo or against top contender Frankie Edgar.
Diaz has repeatedly said he is simply looking to take part in the biggest fights possible, regardless of weight class.
UFC 200 is scheduled to take place July 9 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Other fights in the works for that event include Cain Velasquez vs. Travis Browne and Derek Brunson vs. Gegard Mousasi. Rumours have swirled that if Georges St-Pierre were to return to active competition, UFC 200 would be the ideal event for his comeback.
