PAThe UFC is apparently working to secure a rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz as the main event for UFC 200 in July.
Diaz stepped in to fight the Irishman at UFC 196 in place of the injured Rafael dos Anjos, stunning the world by making McGregor tap to a rear naked choke, and it had been anticipated ‘The Notorious’ would return to the featherweight division as a result.
But according to MMA Fighting and Ariel Helwani, it would appear a title defence for McGregor is not on the cards.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz rematch in the works for UFC 200 — https://t.co/XSQAikoA9B pic.twitter.com/4IFjZTqQpJ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 18, 2016
If confirmed the fight would certainly raise eyebrows, with many fans calling for Frankie Edgar to be given a shot at McGregor – a move supported by Joe Rogan.
Jose Aldo had also made it known that he wants to avenge the devastating 13 second knockout which saw the Irishman take his featherweight belt.
The news has certainly shocked MMA fans on social media…
@arielhelwani ¡Me no comprende! Lol pic.twitter.com/981nKt5F8i
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani Are you kidding me? At 155? What about Frankie Edgar? What about the featherweight division?
— Ryan Hobbs (@RyanHobbs723) March 18, 2016
@RyanHobbs723 @arielhelwani yeah I'm surprised at this! Much rather see McGregor defend his belt against Edgar!
— Bailey (@mattbailey1991) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani the @UFC needs to look at this timeline of responses….FANS don't want this rematch now!!!! @danawhite @lorenzofertitta #UFC
— Markus.Stockpile (@STOCKPILE_GA) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani thats fucked up @danawhite @TheNotoriousMMA @lorenzofertitta u guys cant keep ducking @FrankieEdgar The ufc is gonna lose fans
— Ricky Walsh (@RDUBBS518) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani please, no.
— Michael Silver (@BigEastSilver) March 18, 2016
.@arielhelwani The ONLY @TheNotoriousMMA I want to see next is him defending his FW belt against @FrankieEdgar. This rematch makes no sense.
— Στέφανος (@Now_World_Order) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani The main event of UFC 200 needs to be a title fight. Have Conor vs. Edgar or Nate vs. Lawler/RDA.
— Al Stover (@alstover) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani I'm okay with the fight under the condition that he vacates the FW belt.
— Lord Christian (@wwebigshowfan6) March 18, 2016
@arielhelwani Ugh, I have ZERO interest in that. There's nothing at stake and it ends the same way ? #UFC200
— Fansy Pant (@FansyPant) March 18, 2016
There is also the matter of at what weight would the fight take place.
McGregor had prepared to fight RDA at lightweight but, to ensure the Diaz fight happened, agreed a jump to welterweight.
One thing that will be certain, Stockton’s Diaz will command a larger fee having earned the victory first time round.
