Conor McGregor News: Coach Tells Story of How McGregor 'Harassed' UFC Execs to Make Rematch Versus Nate Diaz
Reigning UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor experienced the most devastating moment of his mixed martial arts career when he was dealt with his first UFC loss at UFC 196.
"The Notorious" was forced to submission by former lightweight contender and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nate Diaz in the second round of their fight, a loss which he described as a "bitter pill" to swallow. Prior to his fight against Diaz, McGregor was riding on a massive hype train.
The brash Irishman was fulfilling prediction after prediction, stopping the likes of Dusin Poirier, Dennis Siver, Chad Mendes, and most notably former long-time featherweight champion José Aldo. After defeating the man who was once deemed as the best in the sport within a mere 13 seconds, McGregor rightfully felt the aura of invincibility.
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But after it all came crashing down when Diaz defeated him, McGregor was put in a different state of consciousness. Instead of calling himself as "the money fight", he is made to go and chase after match-ups himself.
In an article written by his coach John Kavanaugh for Irish media outlet The 42, it was revealed that McGregor was actually adamant about avenging his loss to Diaz that he was pushing hard for a rematch. More specifically, he was said to be "harassing" UFC executives Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta.
"Conor believes that the last fight didn't accurately reflect the skills and ability he possesses, so he's eager to address that," Kavanaugh wrote. "He ended up harassing UFC president Dana White and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta on a daily basis for a rematch. This is the fight that's of most interest to him right now."
For their part, the UFC's top management said they tried to convince McGregor to drop back down to featherweight and defend his title, or fight Diaz at 155-pounds. But being a man with something to prove, McGregor got what he wanted, and the fight was stipulated at 170-pounds.
And according to White, it's McGregor's will to compete that made him yield.
"He's stepped up on late notice and done these things," White said. "He wants this Nate Diaz fight? We'll give it to him."
