DALLAS – Nate Diaz doesn’t think he’ll hang up the gloves without getting his hands on Conor McGregor one more time.
With a pair of blockbuster fights that have the two MMA stars tied at one win apiece, Diaz (21-13) is confident a rubber match against McGregor (22-6) is bound to happen.
The prospective fight may have some roadblocks, as Diaz is now a free agent and McGregor is still under contract with the UFC. The two also have matchups of their own upcoming, with Diaz taking on Jake Paul in boxing Aug. 5 and McGregor expected to fight Michael Chandler later this year.
Yet, Diaz is positive the trilogy will happen.
“I don’t think about it like that, but regardless of that, I would like to get the third fight with Conor,” Diaz told MMA Junkie on Tuesday after a news conference at American Airlines Center. “I think it’s inevitable. For sure, we’ll be fighting.”
Filming for “The Ultimate Fighter 31” recently wrapped. McGregor is the head coach opposite Chandler. As was rumored, Diaz confirmed he was offered the spot against McGregor, but decided not to take it.
“They did (approach me), but I never wanted to do ‘The Ultimate Fighter,'” Diaz explained. “I wasn’t interested in doing that.”
If the fight against Chandler gets booked for McGregor, Diaz expects the Irishman to come out on top – though he holds Chandler in high regards, too.
“Chandler is real tough and explosive and crazy young guy,” Diaz said. “I don’t know how old he is, but I think Conor is better than Chandler. But Chandler, you’re great, too.”
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s hub for Paul vs. Diaz.
