UFC officially announced Wednesday that a rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz will take place at the milestone UFC 200 event at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 9.
UFC Tonight on Twitter reported the news of the fight card's main event, and it also posted several other bouts on the slate for this summer's MMA showcase:
The other notable showdown not mentioned above is an interim featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar, also announced by UFC Tonight on Wednesday. Those two previously dueled at UFC 156 in February 2013, and Aldo came out on top by way of unanimous decision.
Diaz stunned McGregor in the main event of UFC 196 in early March, winning by submission with a rear-naked choke in the second round. It marked the first UFC defeat for the Irish sensation, who's skyrocketed into the mainstream sports spotlight thanks to his boisterous style.
Now he'll get a chance to exact some revenge on his American counterpart.
It's possible the numbers pushed UFC to seek out the rematch. Damon Martin of Fox Sports passed along comments from UFC President Dana White, who confirmed UFC 196 was a record-breaking show for the promotion.
"These are things that captures people's imaginations," White said. "That's why the thing does 1.5 million pay-per-view buys, cause it captures the imagination of fight fans and then when it lives up to the building, when it lives up to what it was supposed to be."
He added: "Nobody left disappointed on Saturday night."
More than anything else, those numbers show the type of attraction McGregor has become. His status as a top-tier draw could be in peril if he's not able to beat Diaz in the rematch, though.
The way he promotes fights is entertaining, but it's an approach that quickly loses its luster if not backed up by victories in the Octagon. He needs a win in July to solidify his place, or questions will arise about his long-term staying power.
Matt Boone of MMA News noted McGregor confirmed during an interview with TMZ Sports after the loss that he wanted another shot at Diaz.
"I think I'd like to see that, yea? I mean, it's one that interests me, most certainly," McGregor said. "You know, when I look at the fight I was winning the fight. I won the first round and a half, I feel. I'd love to get that one back. We'll see how it goes. Money talks. Life is good."
Not everybody is happy about the selection, though. Rafael dos Anjos, who was supposed to fight McGregor at UFC 196 for the lightweight title before suffering a foot injury, provided his reaction on social media:
Even though it should be a star-studded card once finalized, McGregor's effort to level the score with Diaz will undoubtedly be one of the top storylines. It will be intriguing to see whether the increased preparation time—the first battle was confirmed less than two weeks beforehand—makes a difference.
The rematch is also a golden opportunity for Diaz. He's fought sporadically over the last couple of years because of a contract dispute with the promotion. Beating such a high-profile opponent twice in a row would make a statement and illustrate his value.
As for now, expect plenty of verbal warfare between the fighters as they begin getting ready for July's marquee event.
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