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06th Mar 2016

STATS: A look at how Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz went down

Crunching the numbers

Darragh Murphy

Sometimes statistics mean absolutely nothing.

But a lot of the time, they’re perfectly reflective of whatever it is they’re attempting to express.

The statistical breakdown of the main event of UFC 196 certainly falls into the latter category, as Nate Diaz’s dominance over Conor McGregor on Saturday night is represented by the numbers.

Striking

According to FightMetric, Diaz landed 77 of 152 significant strikes so not only was he more frequent a striker than McGregor (61 of 140) but he was also substantially more precise with his 50% accuracy rate trumping McGregor’s 43%.

And here’s the accuracy of how their significant strikes broke down.

UFC 196: McGregor v Diaz

UFC 196: McGregor v Diaz

As you can see, the most jarring stat is the one that shows just how much better Diaz was at catching McGregor’s chin, something he achieved with an expertly distanced jab and perfectly timed lead right hooks.

McGregor, who spoke about the very issue in the post-fight press conference, struggled to find Diaz with a lot of his shots. He was reaching, finding glove and missing the target which is reflected in the stats.

Grappling

The ground game is what eventually led to the rear naked choke finish, and here’s how the pair matched up in the grappling realm.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 5: Nate Diaz punches Conor McGregor during UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Diaz completed his only takedown of the night and attempted two submissions, one a high elbow guillotine and the other the rear naked choke that resulted in the tap from McGregor.

UFC 196: McGregor v Diaz

You knew McGregor was in trouble when he jumped on a takedown after being rocked on the feet.

He didn’t complete it and his inferiority in the grappling stakes became evident quite quickly. He struggled to contain Diaz on the mat, tapping at 4:12 of the second round.