When all is said and done, it’s great to see two fierce competitors show this kind of respect for one another.
Conor McGregor came out as the winner of his latest battle with Nate Diaz, claiming just the second decision victory of his professional career on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
The Irishman had to change his tactics and was at serious risk of gassing out once again, but there was no repeat of UFC 196 where Diaz submitted The Notorious to hand the Irishman his first defeat in the UFC.
There was no love lost between the pair during a brutal encounter where both men took significant hits, and the momentum shifted several times.
McGregor refused to be drawn into things too quickly, as evidenced by his refusal to follow Diaz to the ground upon knocking down the Stockton fighter twice in the opening two rounds. Instead, The Notorious motioned for his opponent to get back to his feet, an area where McGregor felt more comfortable.
But just as the second round was ending, Diaz finally got a foothold in the contest before dominating the third. As he tightened his grip on the contest, he began trying to goad McGregor into making a mistake and threw in a few Stockton slaps for good measure.
At the very end of the fight, Diaz almost won it as he finally managed to take McGregor to the ground – his first successful takedown from seven attempts – and he mounted his opponent. But the final horn sounded and the fight was over.
And as soon as it ended, a bloodied Diaz helped McGregor to his feet and the pair shared a quick embrace.
WHAT A FIGHT! #NateDiaz and #ConorMcGregor take a bow! 👏 #UFC202 https://t.co/WMAweU9Jit
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 21, 2016
When it's all said and done…#Respect! 👏 #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/D9zSToQN8C
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 21, 2016
And after the decision was announced, the pair once again showed their respect for one another as Diaz left the cage.
The #Respect UFC athletes have for one another is unmatched! #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/2scrbOK5wk
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2016
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