UFC: Conor McGregor Includes Small Dig While Praising Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz has found an unlikely supporter in long-time rival Conor McGregor after the Irishman wrote a personal message to the Mexican fighter talking about their fight three years ago and praising him for his win at UFC 241 on Saturday. He even suggested that Diaz’s win will serve as motivation when he makes his comeback, but he did include a slight dig at his rival for not calling him out after the win.

Diaz returned to the octagon after a three-year hiatus but showed no signs of rust as he put away Anthony Pettis in three rounds winning via unanimous decision. He called out Jorge Masvidal after his win over Pettis and said he wants to fight the Miami born fighter next but made no mention about his trilogy fight with McGregor.

The Irishman announced his shock retirement from the UFC earlier this year but confirmed that he is planning to make a comeback in his latest Instagram post. He praised Diaz for his win and even analyzed his fighting style and made it clear that he respects his great rival whether they face each other again or not.

However, there was a slight dig aimed at Diaz after McGregor said he was wise not to call him out for a fight after his win over Pettis. The two mixed martial artists have faced each other twice, winning one apiece, and a trilogy fight has long been talked about but both the fighters are currently focusing on different opponents – Diaz wants Masvidal while McGregor has his eyes set on a rematch with reigning UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“3 years to the day myself and this Mexican warrior [Diaz] went to war,” McGregor wrote alongside a picture the two fighters after their battle on Instagram. “Congrats on the win this weekend Nate, it was motivating to see it for my own comeback. I don’t blame you not mentioning me for the trilogy bout post fight, you know what I’m like when I get going. Vicious.”

“I loved the round 3 style from round 1 that you implemented. It’s what I was hoping you would implement for this bout and was glad to see you do it. I’ll be prepared for it when we go again. If we go again. If not, respect always. A war for the ages. No bitch talk. Just real s--t.”