Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor share a rivalry that’s more than just conflict.
Their battles, two of the most lucrative PPV events ever, have defined their storied rivalry within MMA. Despite the passing years since their 2016 showdown, their interactions have varied, with each taking occasional digs at the other.
Yet, this St. Patrick’s Day saw Diaz extend an olive branch towards McGregor amidst the latter’s expressed frustrations over his stalled UFC comeback.
Diaz voiced his support for McGregor, acknowledging the shared experience of navigating comeback hurdles. McGregor has been vocal about his readiness to return, yet his efforts have seen no fruition, leading to a cycle of eagerness followed by disillusionment.
“This was me for years before Conor even got here. They want [you] to die before [you] get out these contracts. It’s up to you to make something pop. No one gonna help you but you. Free Conor, it’s [St.] Patty’s Day in this b****,” he said, according to MMA Fighting.
Diaz, too, faced his own struggles within the UFC, battling to secure his final fight under contract. His last bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 saw a last-minute opponent change to Tony Ferguson, whom he defeated via fourth-round submission.
The specifics behind McGregor’s delayed return remain vague. Despite McGregor’s hints at a summer comeback during International Fight Week, Dana White, UFC’s CEO, recently indicated a possible return might not occur until fall at the earliest.
McGregor’s most recent appearance was at UFC 264, where an injury during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier sidelined him.
