It looks like Nate Diaz has learned a thing or two about fight promotion this year.
Where in the past, Diaz may have sat at home and waited an opportunity to come to him, in the hours after Conor McGregor’s historic double title achievement at UFC 205 Saturday night, Diaz made sure he was on the minds of fight fans and McGregor.
Video surfaced Sunday via TMZSports of Diaz showing up at McGregor’s after-party held at the Marquee New York night club. According to PageSix.com, Diaz showed up, drank expensive champagne, and danced to the music. Diaz and McGregor did not cross paths according to the report.
The Stockton native had not made any official appearances in New York on behalf of the UFC during fight week, but he clearly suspected there may be value in his presence surrounding McGregor’s big win.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: There are two directions, with three options, UFC can go with the Lightweight Division now that McGregor is champ. The first option, and one that many fans seem on board with, is to go in the sporting direction and give the next title shot to either Tony Ferguson or Khabib Nurmagomedov. Of the two, I would go with Khabib, but there’s no wrong choice between those two; both are very worthy. The other direction is to go the money route and book McGregor vs. Diaz 3. Diaz is likely aware that many fans are debating between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, so we’re probably going to hear more from him in the next couple months to make sure his name is on people’s minds. UFC, and the new management, appear to be focused on the money option more often than not, so I would expect the fight to go to Diaz. Ultimately, McGregor will decide whom he fights next, and he may choose Diaz. Perhaps at UFC 209 in Brooklyn?
MONDAY NOTEBOOK ITEMS…
-Dana White told the press Saturday after UFC 205 that he and Ari Emanuel will be heading to Russia soon and are planning to do a big show there in the future.
-White also said at the press conference that a UFC Middleweight Championship fight between Michael Bisping and Yoel Romero is “the fight that makes sense.” Joe Rogan was talking in the cage as if it is a done deal, but no official announcement has been made.
-Tyron Woodley said at the press conference that it was actually his championship belt that was rushed out to Conor McGregor after he was complaining of not being awarded a second belt after beating Eddie Alvarez. Woodley also added his name to the list of those who would like to fight McGregor.
NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATE: SUNDAY NEWS DIGEST 11/13: Immediate fallout of UFC including Conor’s demands and Tate’s retirement, bonuses, scorecards (w/Hiscoe’s Analysis)
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