It seemed that winning was inevitable for the Irishman. It’s only a matter of time.
Little did everyone know, his most effective offense would ultimatey become his achilles heel. Yes, his left uppercut, straight, hook and overhand found their target, but many also caught nothing but fresh air. And Conor meant every punch he threw.
Within the same round commentator Mike Goldberg said, “fatigue should not be a factor for either fighter,” McGregor experienced the impossible. He was tired.
Entering the third minute of the second round, Diaz switched the gear on the heavy-breathing featherweight. Nate’s punches started to land flush while his rival’s movement slowed down considerably.
The crowd’s cheers rose as McGregor was staggered by Diaz’ crisp one-two and head-body combinations.
No more fancy spinning kicks and no more of his signature quick-footed karate stance; McGregor was too preoccupied with eating volumes of unanswered combos.
Adding insult to injury (literally), Diaz assumed the role of a school yard bully by grinning and pointing at the obviously stunned McGregor, peppering him with a generous portion of cuss, heckles and slaps.
Whether it be standing up or pressed against the cage, Diaz barraged his opponent untiringly.
Dazed and confused, Conor ducked down and tried to end the onslaught by taking the fight to the canvas. Diaz obliged and quickly scrambled to gain the top position, landing shots until he was able to slither his arms around the throat of the featherweight champion to break the hearts of the many Irish fans in attendance and at home.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. I took a shot, I went at it and I feel I was simply inefficient with my energy. Usually I fight a man, in a division I am champion in, and they crumble under those shots. But, Nate took them very well.”
