MMA
Nate Diaz 'feels bad' for Conor McGregor after UFC 329, reignites trilogy talks
Credit: Zuffa LLCUFC legend Nate Diaz showed uncharacteristic support for Conor McGregor after the former two-division champ's failed comeback.
Conor McGregor's UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway lasted just a couple of minutes earlier this year. After opening up the fight with a flying kick that missed the mark, McGregor landed awkwardly on his right leg and is expected to miss another year of competition.
It was a disappointing end to McGregor's latest MMA chapter after five years away from the Octagon entering UFC 329. Before Max Holloway was booked for McGregor's comeback fight, two-time foe Nate Diaz was rumored to be the top candidate for McGregor's return.
After the McGregor trilogy didn't come to fruition, Diaz opted to fight Mike Perry at Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, losing by TKO. Diaz's MMA future remains uncertain, although he's in the mix to fight Jake Paul in an MMA rematch.
Despite Diaz and McGregor's tense past, Diaz wasn't happy to see his former foe's latest setback at UFC 329.
Nate Diaz sends Conor McGregor ‘positive vibes' during latest injury recovery
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Diaz was asked about McGregor's future and the possibility of a trilogy.
“Conor is a f—–, but Conor is a fighter,†Diaz said.
“He's someone you want to see. I'm not trying to kill him off. I'm not trying to be killed off by a guy trying to make a comeback. I'm trying to fight a big fight to move up in the fight program. I feel bad for him. I hope he does good. Positive vibes for the comeback.
“I'll start whooping a– and doing good, and then I'm going to whoop his ass.â€
McGregor envisions a return to the Octagon in Summer 2027, although that's a tentative plan for the superstar's comeback. Meanwhile, Diaz could still potentially return to the UFC if the trilogy with McGregor is offered.
Will a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz trilogy happen? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Zuffa LLCFormer UFC champion Henry Cejudo believes that the UFC needs to book a fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.
The future of Ilia Topuria in the Ultimate Fighting Championship is unclear. While he will almost certainly fight again for the promotion, and may even do so before the end of the year, there are a few different opponents he could face – most notably Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
RELATED: Ilia Topuria should face Paddy Pimblett next, says former UFC champion
Ilia Topuria has obviously already lost to Gaethje back at UFC Freedom 250, whereas Pimblett is someone that he has been feuding with away from the cage for literal years now.
In a recent interview, Henry Cejudo gave his thoughts on Ilia Topuria's next fight.
Cejudo wants Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett
“Justin Gaethje ain't giving that opportunity,†Cejudo told MMA Junkie. “Remember: Fighters have leverage. Justin Gaethje has one year to say ‘yes, I want to fight' or ‘no, I do not want to fight.' The UFC don't want to do that, especially after the no mas thing. That ain't it. But also because of entertainment, I could see it happening. But also competitively and knowing Justin Gaethje, he ain't going to give him that opportunity.â€
“It's not just losing,†Cejudo said. “It's getting your ass kicked and getting beat up. Getting beat up, it takes a minute for your brain to come back and your spirit to come back and be like, ‘I think I want to do this again.' Ilia needs to fight ‘Paddy the Baddy.' Put the sanitizer sh*t to bed. It's the perfect storyline. I think ‘Paddy the Baddy' would be the perfect match for him to come back to. He has to. If he claims everything he is then he needs to get back in there and beat Paddy, and the winner fights Justin Gaethje.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you want to see this fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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