A few weeks ago, I detailed how just one injury to a UFC fighter could have negatively affected the whole balance of two of UFC’s biggest shows of 2016. How fortunate for them that an injury did occur, but instead it brought more positive fortune for the company. UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos suffered a broken foot in training for his UFC 196 title bout with Connor McGregor, requiring him to take 4-6 weeks off. As it stands, the bout has been pushed back and will most likely occur as the main event of UFC 200 in July, giving the company the big storyline they were looking for to headline the show: their hottest star’s quest to become a champion in 2 different weight classes.
But meanwhile, there are about 10,000 cavorting Irishmen (and women) who have hotel rooms and flights booked for Las Vegas for March 5th, and they demand a show. In order to protect the McGregor gravy train, and to ensure that there are no requests for refunds, a call went out to any contender in a 25 lb range and they found someone with enough fight and enough mouth to make it work. Nate Diaz will be McGregor’s next opponent and the recipient of a McGregor “Red Panty Night”. What’s intriguing about the fight is that it will be held at Welterweight (170lbs) as opposed to either of the weights McGregor has previously competed at (145 & 155 lbs). This covers all angles of risk for UFC, as it ensures a big buy rate for the show with a tough, trash talking opponent while it protects McGregor, in the event of a loss, from being derailed on championship quests for either title. There is risk for McGregor as to this date he hasn’t faced anyone with Diaz’ chin, long reach and jab, but Diaz also comes in on a 2-week camp. A loss for McGregor at a weight class where he has no intent on pursuing the title only puts the blemish on his current 15 fight win streak (7 of those since joining UFC). Were Diaz to lose, he’ll certainly mouth off about not having a full camp and will insert himself in line for a title shot should McGregor accomplish his goal of winning the Lightweight title.
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Steve TozinA connoisseur of global sports, entertainment, pro-wrestling and mixed martial arts. Archives
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