Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz – UFC 202: ‘I’ve prepared for a tall, lanky, ugly Mexican southpaw,’ says Irishman ahead of rematch

CONOR MCGREGOR is confident he will not lose his rematch with Nate Diaz as he has prepared specifically for a “tall, lanky, ugly Mexican southpaw”.

The Irishman surprisingly lost in two rounds to the much bigger Diaz at UFC 196 in March but will face off against Diaz again on 20 August at UFC 202.

Diaz only took the fight at 10 days notice but still managed to beat the promotion’s poster boy, who was fighting around 20 pounds above his usual weight.

Speaking at a pre-fight press conference in Las Vegas, McGregor promised to be more prepared.

He said: “I’ll come in correct, sharp and take this man out.

“I’ve simply prepared more specific. I usually don’t prepare for a specific opponent.

“Everyone I face pulls out. Last minute pull outs are a staple in my career,

“[Last time] I didn’t even fight a southpaw.

“This time I’m preparing for a tall, lanky, ugly Mexican southpaw.

“I’m going to go in and do what I always do – go in, press forward.

“I’m a lot more prepared for the size, weight, distance. I underestimated his durability… I will not make the same mistake again.”

McGregor was earlier questioned about the decision to again face Diaz at 170lbs, rather than his usual weight of 140lbs.

He said: “What kind of fighter would I be if I lost a contest and then said, well I’ll cut a load of weight and get you next time.

“It makes a lot of sense to do it at 170, to right the wrong.”

Diaz’s response was typically curt.

“Yeah, I’m training to fight him.”

In a fractured press conference where both fighters and UFC president Dana White struggled to hear questions, McGregor hinted that the pair could even meet for a third time.

“I’m going to beat him. I think we could see a trilogy.

“It was a great fight last time, I really enjoyed it.”

With Jon ‘Bones’ Jones off the bill for UFC 200 after testing positive for drugs, the pair were asked whether there was any chance they could bring the fight forward.

McGregor received a huge roar of approval when he said: “I’m here, I’m ready. All they have to do is ask…”