McGregor has no regrets about moving up, plans to defend UFC title

MANILA, Philippines – Despite suffering a loss at the hands of Nate Diaz, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has no regrets about facing him in a welterweight bout at UFC 196 on Sunday, March 6 (PH Time).

McGregor was originally penciled to challenge UFC lightweight kingpin Rafael dos Anjos, who was compelled to withdraw due to a foot injury.

As result, Dos Anjos’ spot was given to Diaz, who already had experience fighting as a welterweight.

Diaz and McGregor went toe-to-toe for the better part of their 9 minutes inside the Octagon together, but it paid off handsomely for the 31-year-old native of Stockton, California.

Diaz rocked McGregor in multiple exchanges before he submitted the Irishman with a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Many cageside observers were initially skeptical about the match-up because McGregor was jumping two divisions higher to square off with Diaz.

Even though he tasted his first UFC loss in unfamiliar territory, McGregor would not retract his decision to move up in weight.

“It is what it is. It is simply me fighting a heavier man. He can take one hell of a shot,” he said during the post-event press conference. “I make no excuses. I came up short. I took a chance. It didn’t pay off.”

Despite the pre-fight bad blood, McGregor says he considered the opportunity to fight Diaz, saying he was a fan of Diaz and his older brother Nick.

“I was relishing the moment to step in there against Nate. I’ve always enjoyed [watching] Nate and Nick and their fighting approach. I had a lot of fun,” he stated.

However, the disappointing defeat does not mean that McGregor will take the backseat and go for a vacation as he plans to defend his featherweight title.

McGregor eyes a date at the upcoming UFC 200 pay-per-view event on July 9 against whoever is next in line for a shot at his gold-plated strap.

“I am still really enjoying it. I am not tired of it. Going back down to the featherweight division, I can’t imagine whom I will fight next. I still feel UFC 200, it’s there for me,” he shared.

Frankie Edgar was promised a crack at the 145-pound division’s top prize by UFC president Dana White after knocking out Chad Mendes this past December.

Meanwhile, Aldo expressed his interest in a rematch with McGregor after losing his title by 13-second knockout at UFC 194. – Rappler.com