“So when it first got booked I was like, ‘They want to get me right back in there and try to win this back and weed me out again.’ That’s how it felt. I’m was like, ‘Can I just sit back for eight months and soak up some popularity and some exposure and just go on vacation and do what I gotta do?’ And they were like, ‘We want this’ and I’m like, ‘Why so quick? Whatever.’ Then the deals got done and I was like, ‘Wow. That payday and this payday in that short amount of time, can’t pass that up so let’s do it.’ But I feel like these guys want to weed me right back out, hoping that I lose. Alright, they’d better hope I lose because if I win this one, I’m really taking over.”
-Nate Diaz talks about the UFC booking the Conor McGregor rematch right away in an interview on UFC Fight Pass Series “The Exchange” (transcribed by MMAFighting.com).
Penick’s Analysis: There’s no question it’d be easier for the UFC if McGregor pulls off the win here. They keep their top pay-per-view draw strong, setting up lots of other significant fights, and knock Diaz and his leverage down a few pegs. It’s transparent enough, though it’s certainly the right move on their part. Diaz’s job is simply to win and to continue thwarting whatever they hope to accomplish with McGregor.
[Photo (c) Mark J. Rebilas via USA Today Sports]
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply