The anticipation that the internet and players of top betting sites had when Conor McGregor was getting ready to fight Rafael Dos Anjos, evaporated for a second when Dos Anjos had to pull out of the fight due to a foot injury. But what as hot interest for the fight, then turned into a full put forest fire when it was announced that McGregor was going to face the trash talkin’, in-your-face fighter Nate Diaz. In a matter of days they managed to build enough anticipation for the fight with some entertaining (and profanity-laced) press conferences, and the promise that both are serious tough individuals that will leave everything in the octagon.
Now, UFC 196 has that big fight aura, but fans are left to speculate just how big the event would have been if Diaz was chosen as McGregor’s opponent. The Irishman is a 4-1 favorite according to most of the top betting sites and sportsbooks online, his previous fight with Jose Aldo came down to just a single punch, but now he must deal with an opponent with a slick and ruthless submission style of fighting. Many suggest that an upset might not be too far fetched. McGregor will be looking to avoid being taken down by Diaz.
There is no belt on the line for this bout and to some extent it doesn’t take away that this fight is going to be a scrap for the ages. Diaz will be looking to step up to the mainstream spotlight and perhaps earn the shot to some big money fights in the future. He is the underdog in top betting sites, and by the looks of it, he loves to be at this position, he knows that McGregor is the fighter with more to loose in this encounter. His major advantage for this Saturday night is his grappling and submission, but he will need to stay clear of McGregor’s kicks and his devastating left hand.
There appears to be real animosity between the two fighters and this fight can go to distance, Diaz in his own right is also a good striker, but his mat fighting skills are sharp. McGregor is one of the toughest MMA fighters in the planet and is blessed with powerful strikes that have made him reach the pinnacle of prominence in the UFC. This fight will be exciting, and it will go to distance. If you are wagering on top betting sites, our pick to win is McGregor by decision.
