Quote: Conor McGregor Begged For Nate Diaz Rematch

Last night (March 30, 2016), it was finally confirmed by the promotion that reigning featherweight champion the “Notorious” Conor McGregor would rematch Nate Diaz, the man who shockingly submitted him earlier this month (March 6, 2016), in the main event of July 9’s blockbuster UFC 200.

Despite fighting Diaz at 170-pounds, the Irishman holds his title at 145-pounds, a title he has yet to defend since steam rolling Jose Aldo last December.

While it’s not surprising that Diaz vs. McGregor II has been booked, it is somewhat confusing as to why the fight was once again set at welterweight.

After all, Diaz is a natural 155-pounder, while McGregor obviously normally competes at featherweight.

According to UFC president Dana White during an appearance on Wednesday’s ‘Sportscenter,’ not only was the Irishman “obsessed” with once again facing off with Diaz, but he was also hell-bent on getting the job done at welterweight:

“After the fight, Lorenzo (Fertitta) and I went up to Conor’s house that he was renting here in Las Vegas and started talking about, ‘what are you thinking, what’s next?’ And he was obsessed,” White said Wednesday on ESPN. “”Obsessed with fighting Nate Diaz again.

“Obviously Lorenzo and I tried to argue with him and say let’s go back down to 145 and defend your title, or if you really want the Diaz fight that bad, do it at 155. And he wants to fight at 170. Even his coach, Coach (John) Kavanagh, tried to get him to get off this rematch and off the 170-pound fight, but it’s what he wanted.”

Also announced for UFC 200 was a bout between Aldo and top contender Frankie Edgar for the interim featherweight strap.

No matter the outcome on July 9th, White confirmed that McGregor would next defend his title against the winner of Aldo vs. Edgar II:

“Win, lose, or draw against Nate Diaz, he will go in and he will fight either Jose or Frankie,” White said. “Whoever wins at (UFC) 200.”