Conor McGregor & Nate Diaz Don’t Give A…

Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz don’t give a fuck. They don’t give a fuck about titles, about weight classes, about opponents, about injuries, about steroids, about proper grammar, or really anything. Conor gives a fuck about money and Nate gives a fuck about whooping that ass. Otherwise, Conor and Nate don’t give a fuck.

So why do we give a fuck about Conor and Nate fighting on Saturday?

The fight was originally supposed to be Conor vs. UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. While not as marketable as this Saturday’s main event, it was a far superior fight. McGregor was looking to hold two belts in two weight classes at the same time while dos Anjos was trying to send Conor back down to featherweight for good. It was an intriguing fight because dos Anjos has the striking and power to worry McGregor and the wrestling and grappling to smother him. Dos Anjos’ path to victory was clear, as was McGregor’s. Conor would need to keep the fight standing, use his distance, and punish dos Anjos when he aggressively pursued.

McGregor vs. Diaz doesn’t have the same intrigue. Diaz is a rangy, volume striker, which could give Conor problems as he’s used to dictating the range and pace. However, there’s little chance that Diaz tries to bring the fight to the ground despite his jiu-jitsu black belt. Diaz is as hittable as they come with his flat-footed style and if Conor uses his angles and speed, there’s no reason to think that he can’t light up Nate like he’s lit up every other UFC opponent.

There are a couple of x-factors in this fight. First, is the weight. McGregor is moving up to 170 for the first time in his career while Diaz returns to the weight for the first time since 2011. The fight is being contested at welterweight because Diaz hasn’t exactly been training for a fight and didn’t feel like cutting at least 15 pounds to make 155 in 10 days, which brings us to our other x-factor. McGregor has had a full camp as he’s been preparing for dos Anjos while Diaz has probably been in the gym, but hasn’t exactly been preparing his body for a prizefight against a world-class opponent.

There’s no belt on the line, but that thing is nothing more than a prop that gets in the way of big fights. The fact that McGregor and Diaz have both dismissed the title and McGregor calls himself “the real title” tells you all you need to know about the value of 12 pounds of gold.

So why do we give a fuck about Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz?

It all starts with Conor. The current UFC poster boy has made a name for himself inside and outside the cage. Not only does he talk a big game, but he backs it up in the cage. He’s not forced on the mic (like Chael Sonnen) and he can win the big one (unlike Chael Sonnen). The UFC put a ton of marketing behind him and he’s delivered in spades. Casual fans love Conor because he’s charismatic and exciting. Hardcore fans love him for the same reasons, but also because he realizes his worth and is doing what he can to change the system. The fact that this pisses off Dana White, a constant target of MMA fans who know better, only endears McGregor that much more to the hardcore fanbase. Conor has reached a rare territory where he can draw no matter the opponent.

It helps that the opponent is Nate Diaz, though. There’s an attraction and response to Diaz from just about anyone who follows MMA despite him not being a “needle mover.” Some people enjoy his brash, borderline incoherent, personality while others are turned off by his “fake thug” bravado. Like him or not, there’s no denying his willingness to engage in verbal warfare with opponents. The fact that he’s unafraid and unapologetic makes him the perfect foil for McGregor.

The action in the cage will probably take a backseat to the talk. Both fighters are notorious for their ability to run their mouths while punching opponents in the face. What happens when the unflappable object meets the impenetrable force? Between the barbs and strikes, it’s easy to see why this is a can’t miss fight.