Rematched him and lost.
Why is it so crazy to suggest a rematch should've been immediate? Or at least by now?
Conor proved after Diaz beating him, he could bounce back and redeem himself.
It's illogical to immediately dismiss that a rematch should've happened after Diaz handled Conor quicker than Khabib did.
It's possible Conor could beat Khabib.
Not really the same
Conor went into the Diaz fight overconfident. He was certain that he would get the knockout. Underestimating Nate's chin, ability to eat those shots while continually moving forward, will to survive and warrior spirit.
Essentially he doubled down on this belief and ate even more within a short period of time to gain weight for 170. He blew all his energy attempting to finish Nate and failed. Ultimately a misuse of energy and an underestimation of his opponent was a huge factor in his loss.
For the second fight, he corrected those things and acknowledged that he would likely need to win it in a five round fight. It was the first time we was humbled and taught how he needs to manage energy as a championship level fighter.
Conor came prepared condition wise against Khabib, more so than all of his other fights. Khabib beat him because he was the better fighter that night. He certainly did not underestimate Khabib.
That said there are a few caveats, it had been 2 years since his last MMA fight and this certainly wasn't the type of 2 years off where he was in the gym every day. He was coked up, partying around ireland.
Considering he did have some success, stuffing 4 TD's in the 3rd, handling himself reasonably on the ground and showing improved conditioning, if he's able to build upon that and come on his A game, there are certainly grounds for a rematch.
It's not at all the same as Nate 1-2. But I also think there's a reason why both Javier and Khabib said they think Conor is his toughest fight.
that being said i wouldn't mind seeing a third fight
