Dana White Claims That Internet Rumors of Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz III Are False

Speaking at the post-fight press conference for UFC 216, UFC President Dana White addressed what’s next for interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson potentially facing reigning lightweight champion Conor McGregor after Ferguson’s win in the main event. Below is a video from the post-fight press conference.

Ferguson won the interim title by submitting Kevin Lee in the third round of last night’s main event. After the fight, Ferguson challenged McGregor to come back to the UFC to defend his belt and fight him. McGregor has recently been away from MMA in order to train for his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, which took place last August.

According to White, rumors of McGregor potentially facing Nate Diaz in a rubber match are overblown. White stated, “Nobody’s talked about Diaz – Diaz has never been talked about. That’s Internet bull(expletive). Tony’s the interim champion, Conor’s the champion. It’s the fight that makes sense.”

The UFC President added, “It’s the fight that has to happen – it doesn’t ‘make sense,’ it’s the fight that has to happen.” White also told interviewer Megan Olivi after UFC 216 on a potential unification bout between Ferguson and McGregor, “We’ll figure that out — hopefully before the end of the year.”

UFC 216 was held last night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card was broadcast live on PPV. You can check out 411mania’s full results and coverage of the event RIGHT HERE.

It should be noted that Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson would both have to agree to terms to fight each other before that fight becomes confirmed. McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar told MMAjunkie last August that McGregor wanted a third fight with Diaz.

You can also check out Ferguson’s post-fight interview video where he challenges McGregor below.