Conor McGregor praises Nick Diaz after UFC 266, says Nate's 'boxing is piss' compared to brother
Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on Nick Diaz’s unsuccessful return to the octagon on Saturday at UFC 266.
McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC), like many fight fans, was a keen observer of Diaz’s (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) long awaited comeback fight, which was a rematch against Robbie Lawler at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Things didn’t go Diaz’s way after more than six years away from competition. He partially reverted back to his old self, but was not able to keep up with Lawler’s pace and output and opted not to continue after getting hurt with a hard shot early in the third round of the middleweight bout.
Some have used the loss to point the finger at Diaz and claim he “quit.” Lawler said post-fight the stoppage came as an accumulation of damage. McGregor, who was watching closely, offered his thoughts on the ending and praised both Diaz and Lawler (via Twitter):
Nick/Rob was a good fight. The spin kick at the start gave the ground on Nick but he was veteran composed and was peppering lovely shots in. He just ate some big body shots and there was more coming Robbie was strong to the body it was veteran work all round. I enjoyed thoroughly
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 26, 2021
Nick/Rob was a good fight. The spin kick at the start gave the ground on Nick but he was veteran composed and was peppering lovely shots in. He just ate some big body shots and there was more coming Robbie was strong to the body it was veteran work all round. I enjoyed thoroughly
The finishing sequence when the temple was clipped after the leg went, the evasion of the final shot, which was a blistering uppercut, was magic. Look at it. Down on one knee, observing where the shot was coming from, slip/parry, and re cente to open guard safe. Ala Daly fight.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 26, 2021
The finishing sequence when the temple was clipped after the leg went, the evasion of the final shot, which was a blistering uppercut, was magic. Look at it. Down on one knee, observing where the shot was coming from, slip/parry, and re cente to open guard safe. Ala Daly fight.
Although most of his sentiments were positive, McGregor couldn’t help but slide in a dig, too. He said he was far more impressed with the striking of Nick than his younger brother Nate Diaz – who famously fought McGregor twice – and “The Notorious” took a shot at his rival to conclude his review (via Twitter):
Nate your boxing is piss compare to nicks. We been fed garbage with your sloppy shots the last few years. Can see the clear difference between the two brothers after last night. Balance, composure. Another level the big bro is on to you. I made you.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 26, 2021
Nate your boxing is piss compare to nicks. We been fed garbage with your sloppy shots the last few years. Can see the clear difference between the two brothers after last night. Balance, composure. Another level the big bro is on to you. I made you.
McGregor, for his part, is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 where he suffered a broken leg in the process. The Irishman remains in the United States nearly three months later continuing his rehabilitation process as he looks to return to the octagon in 2022.