The UFC should scrap Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler in favor of a trilogy bout between 'The Notorious' and Nate Diaz at the Sphere: Here's why
All signs point to Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler being the matchup that the UFC is still committed to for the Irishman's return. However, the bout may very well have lost some of its steam, and there are more lucrative alternatives for the promotion to look to.
Specifically, the UFC ought to consider booking the long-anticipated trilogy fight between 'The Notorious' and Nate Diaz, and it should be scheduled as the headliner for Riyadh Season Noche UFC. It is a sensible option, and there's already been groundwork laid for it.
What the promotion does with Chandler in such a situation is up in the air, but fans are eager for McGregor's return, and there is no matchup more optimal than the trilogy with Diaz.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz is the perfect return fight for 'The Notorious'
Conor McGregor has two fights left on his contract. At 36 years old, he is in the twilight of his career and is unlikely to embark on a serious title run for several reasons. First, the lightweight division has far too much depth and is notoriously unkind to even all-time greats who reach their late thirties.
Second, 'The Notorious' is coming off a horrific, career-threatening shin break that has sidelined him for three years now. No one else has ever returned from such an injury looking anywhere close to their prime, not even Anderson Silva. The UFC likely recognizes that the Irishman's tenure at the top is on borrowed time.
All of the scandals, his age, his lack of recent success inside the octagon, and more, likely indicate that he cannot compete with the best lightweights in the world anymore. But, he is still the sport's biggest pay-per-view draw: a status that would almost certainly be in jeopardy if he loses his return fight.
The UFC will want to maintain his star power for at least the two fights remaining on his contract before they consider releasing him. For his market value to survive those two fights and for the UFC to make as much money as it can, it must give McGregor a winnable first fight.
However, his opponent must also excite fans. There is no better choice than Nate Diaz. The Stockton legend is one of the biggest MMA stars in the world, and is among the few fighters who can draw the casual fanbase to any event due to his massive popularity.
Moreover, he has history with McGregor, as the two have a well-known rivalry, with both men having a win each. A trilogy bout to break the deadlock in one of the most popular feuds in UFC history is a natural course of action. Most importantly, it is a winnable fight for McGregor.
McGregor's leg will be compromised once he fights again. His movement won't be the same, and his attributes won't be any better now that he's older than when he was younger. Diaz, while entertaining, is too slow for McGregor's hindered movement to be a negative factor come fight night. Here's what Kamaru Usman said on their matchup on the Pound 4 Pound podcast:
"If Nate Diaz still wants to partake in mixed martial arts, and still wants to be involved with a company like the UFC, the Conor McGregor fight's still there. That's a good one for Nate Diaz."
Check out Kamaru Usman calling for the Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz trilogy:
Furthermore, Diaz does not throw low kicks, so he is unlikely to target his rival's injured leg either. He will also engage McGregor in the latter's preferred realm of combat: striking. Diaz also lacks the power to hurt McGregor unless the Irishman commits to a reckless approach like he had in their first clash.
If 'The Notorious' beats Diaz, which he should be favored to, as the Stockton legend is also 39 years old, it would set things up nicely for his final fight in the UFC. It is a far more winnable fight than Chandler, who is fast, powerful, has a wrestling threat, and has been training hard, while McGregor has been partying.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz is a natural main event for Riyadh Season Noche UFC
It wasn't that long ago that Conor McGregor lobbied for a main event spot on the UFC 306 card, which has since been rebranded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC. While Dana White turned down the Irishman's request, he should reconsider it given the circumstances.
The event takes place on Sep. 14, two days before Mexican Independence Day. Additionally, it is the promotion's first-ever event at the Las Vegas Sphere. White has spoken openly about his desire to make the UFC's debut at the Sphere the greatest possible show.
'The Notorious' fighting Nate Diaz would be perfect. The former's return would be headline-grabbing alone, and would generate more ticket sales than any other fighter. Second, Diaz is of Mexican descent, whose heritage can be made a highlight during the leadup to the event.
There are no big Mexican or Mexican-American stars in the UFC. Brian Ortega has failed, twice, to capture a championship belt, is horribly inactive, injury-prone, and recently failed to make weight for his fights. His standing is at an all-time low. Meanwhile, Yair Rodriguez is on a two-fight losing streak.
Similarly, Brandon Moreno is also on a two-fight losing streak and seems to have regressed as a fighter, while also contemplating a break from fighting. The country's only reigning champion is Alexa Grasso, who is not a star, but could serve as one of the event's attractions due to her flyweight title.
Only Diaz fits the mold of a superstar of Mexican descent. Given his recent win over Jorge Masvidal in the pair's boxing match, and he has expressed an interest in returning to the UFC, the promotion should strike while the iron is hot.