Speaking to Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting at the launch of Reebok and the UFC's new 'Fight Kit', Conor McGregor spoke about what was alternative option for the headline fight at UFC 189.
The Irishman was told that Jose Aldo could be out for seven weeks so another opponent for July 11th would be required.
Rather than fight someone at 145, and have to undergo a severe weight cut twice in two months, McGregor proposed that he fight at 155 instead.
Nate Diaz was the suggested opponent.
We discussed a few options.
Nate Diaz was in there. I would have liked that one.
They were telling me that Aldo would be able to fight in seven weeks' time which was an option and I was 'OK, I'll fight him in seven week's time then but I don't want to cut to 145 pounds for a non-title fight and then have to make the cut again to 145 in seven weeks' time. It makes no sense. So let's do a 155 pound fight.'
So then you look at the 155 pound roster. Who's game to step up and fight? Who brings it?
Nate brings it. The Diaz brothers bring it. They turn up to fight.
The interest in it would have remained high.
You could bring another 155-er or 145-er, but are the pay-per-view draws going to be as good? I don't think so.
Nate was an interest for me as was that the fight would generate big buzz.
It was an intelligent business move by me. I laid it out.
They researched it and it was an option.
A headliner of McGregor vs Diaz certainly would have been a fun fight.
