UFC's RIVAL-3

UFC’s RIVAL-3

Occasionally in the sports, fans will be gifted a great rivalry to be entertained. The UFC has been blessed with the rare RIVAL-3, and it happens to be between some of the companies biggest stars. Each bringing their own unique fan base to the table, as well as drama, and unfinished business. Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, and Dustin Poirier are some of the UFC’s most recognizable figures. The only thing they share besides elite fighting skills is their mutual disdain for one another.

Let’s start with one of the realest in the UFC, Stockton’s own, Nate Diaz. A man who has given the fans a lot of content lately. Whether you go to his Twitter or YouTube page, Nate has been more active than usual. That activity is mostly trying to get a fight on one of the upcoming PPVs. He turned his canons toward Dustin recently. A fight he says the UFC turned down because “Dustin sucks”. Since I can’t see Dana saying that about his most recent #1 contender, I assume he’s trying to put pressure on Dustin. This could also be him trying to buy time for Conor to come back from his recent injury for the most anticipated trilogy in UFC history. A fight that Nate has also downplayed recently because “Conor sucks”, as well.

The Notorious has surprisingly been out of the headlines recently. He had been very active in the media since his last fight with Dustin Poirier. A fight that ended after he snapped his shin in two. McGregor just got cleared for activity, so that is likely why he has taken a step back from the spotlight. That gets me excited as a fan because McGregor never stays dormant for long. I imagine he is plotting his next move, and getting ready for war in the process. He definitely has options as fighters have not been shy about throwing his name out on social media. The most notable being the current Lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira. I anticipate the UFC to go in Justin Gaethje’s direction next, but Conor may be fighting for a belt sooner than anyone expected. If not, most likely a fight against one of two main rivals.

This brings us to the Diamond. Dustin Poirier has maintained the statement that he is game for a fight with either anytime, anywhere. His beef is personal with both. I would have to guess the real bad blood lies with McGregor. Look up Conor’s iconic octagon interview from his last fight if you have questions on that one. Since then, Dustin has taken the high road approach. The high road does not mean he can not take his subtle jabs at the Notorious one, however. He took their rivalry from the octagon to the whiskey business. This week Dustin has announced his new whiskey brand “Rare Stash”. Of all the moves Dustin could have pulled, this one might hit a little harder than most on the Irishman. The Nate animosity is a little more surface level than that, but real nonetheless. Dustin pulled out of a bout they had scheduled due to a hip injury that required surgery. Nate reacted with a few choice words, and those words have heated a rivalry that hopefully graces the UFC octagon this year.

None of the previously mentioned fighters have bouts scheduled as of now, but I would have to imagine two of the three will be looking at each other for their next dance partners. Who gets left out? Your guess is as good as mine. Nate has one fight left on his contract, Dustin just fought in December and McGregor is most likely out until the summer. In the meantime, you can expect more hype to be built up as all three are master marketers. Hype that is hopefully followed by a megafight for fight fans.

Geek: GOOSEY