Conor McGregor has claimed his “heart wouldn’t let me” force Nate Diaz to take a rematch at 155lb.
The UFC featherweight champion was submitted by his American opponent in a 170lb bout at UFC 196 in March, and McGregor had no hesitation in agreeing to a rematch at the same weight.
He had been preparing for a 155lb bout against Rafael dos Anjos before the Brazilian dropped out through injury, and Diaz agreed to a 170lb match-up at less than two week’s notice.
“I can’t say ‘move down a weight and I’ll get you there’ – what kind of fighter is that?” he told BT Sport.
“What kind of man would I be if I was to say that?”
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McGregor has been taking his UFC 202 preparation very seriously following his surprise defeat to Diaz earlier in the year, and said he doesn’t believe his opponent’s size played a huge part in the outcome.
“Now, saying that, he’s gotten even bigger than the last fight because he’s not had to focus on a 155lb cut, so he’s been eating well I’m sure and he’s been growing naturally,” the Irishman added.
“So I’m facing an even bigger man but, you know what, I’m excited about that.
“I’ve put in the correct preparation for that. I’ve been sparring middleweights – I’m the featherweight world champion and I’ve been sparring middleweights…so I’m prepared for this.”
McGregor v Diaz 2 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time, and offers McGregor a chance to avenge the welterweight loss – his first ever defeat in UFC and only the third setback of his 22-fight MMA career.
Watch the full interview with Conor McGregor tonight from 9.15pm on BT Sport 2. UFC 202 – McGregor v Diaz 2 – is exclusively live on BT Sport 2 this Sunday from 1am. Visit www.btsport.com/ufc for more info.
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