Water Cooler Talk: UFC 196 McGregor vs. Nate Diaz edition

Following another incredible PPV card put together by the UFC this past weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, allot of things went down that had people buzzing in the streets, sports bars, forums and on-line posts. The upsets in the main and co-main event matches happening via rear naked choke set the internet ablaze leaving us with allot to go over. So, without further ado here are some things to chat about this week with co-workers and fellow fight fans following the Octagon madness this past weekend.

Is Holm A One Hit Wonder?

Albuquerque mega star, “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holly Holm (10-1) went from being a major underdog in her last bout to coming in as a 4-1 favorite in her first title defense of the UFC women’s 135-pound title and surprisingly lost it via 5th round submission to grizzled veteran, Miesha “Cupcake” Tate (18-5). This was just 3 months following her upset over 20-1 favorite, Ronda Rousey (12-1) in Australia at UFC 193 via 2nd round high kick KO. The amazing finish was heard around the world and made as much noise for its violently explosive ending as it did its questioned legitimacy. Immediately critics and naysayers jumped onto their key boards and social media channels claiming that Rousey’s loss was more a factor of her poorly executed game plan and conditioning than it was Holm’s approach and skill set. That, no matter how you cut it is nonsense and should not put a blemish on Holm’s signature win as well as legendary status. The New Mexico native and former boxing world champion showed up to that arena and crafted the biggest upset in a UFC championship match as well as the organization’s 22-year history.

Most everyone agrees that at UFC 196 the New Mexican probably took rounds 1, 3 and 4 and was cruising to a unanimous decision victory. For all we know she had round 5 in the bag as well, making the last minute rear naked choke execution by Tate that much more heart breaking for Holly. The woman who got a parade in her hometown of 22,000 people for cementing herself in MMA history is far from a fluke, and has probably gotten more fans now for the fact that she had opted to not wait around and defended her belt as well as refusing to tap and going out on her shield that unforgettable championship round. The sport can always use more fighters like her, and that is definitely not a one hit wonder but a hit machine in countless MMA fan’s hearts.

Is Tate Mixed Martial Arts Royalty?

It’s beside the point to say that Washington native and newly minted bantamweight queen, Miesha Tate mesmerized the world with her 5th round submission of Holm inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena this past Saturday in front of 14,898 people. But what’s even more impressive is that she joins ex-Strikeforce stars “Rowdy ”Ronda Rousey, Luke Rockhold and Daniel Cormier in MMA immortality by being the only four former Strikeforce title holders to also have captured a world title in the UFC. Rousey ironically enough lifted her crown from then champ, Tate. Rockhold got his title by unanimous decision from Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza as a 5-1 underdog while Cormier stepped in as a tournament replacement stringing together back-to-back upsets of Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Josh Barnett to grab the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix championship.

Come to think of it, every champion from welterweight to heavyweight currently in the UFC is a former Strikeforce main eventer.

Anyhow, “Cupcake” Tate sweetens up her legacy as well as trophy case by adding that gorgeous Octagon strap alongside her beautiful Strikeforce belt. An amazing accomplishment for a gritty veteran that will likely not be accomplished ever again and who more deserving than the resilient Washingtonian who has personified the phrase, “never give up on your hopes and dreams”.

Just imagine what the trilogy ending to Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey will be like? Honestly this story writes itself seeing as how Rousey, the division’s former ruler, can redeem herself while simultaneously start erasing the memory of her brutal UFC 193 knockout loss by nabbing UFC gold for the second time. Or, the concept of “revenge is a dish best served cold” serves as the ultimate backdrop for Tate who can avenge her 3 losses to her nemesis in Strikeforce and the Octagon respectively, by trumping any hopes of a “Rowdy” return to glory.

Did McGregor Bite Off More Weight Class Than He Could Chew?

Photo by Armando Romo

Featherweight champion, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor (19-3) finally flew too close to the sun. And, before we pass judgment on a still developing career, let’s not forget that the Irishman’s first loss inside of the Octagon surprisingly enough brought him just as much hype as a win would have. His popularity in and out of the cage is that brilliant. The 6 to 1 favorite dropped a submission defeat to Nate Diaz in the 2nd round of a featured bout scheduled at welterweight. McGregor was originally on board to fight 155lbs king, Rafael dos Anjos, that night before an injury to the Brazilian champ sidelined those plans; therefore a move up one more weight class seemed doable. Diaz took the same risk; he had just fought at 155lbs in December so he too moved up one weight class to clash with Conor as a substitute opponent on roughly two weeks’ notice.

McGregor showed us that there are size limitations to all combatants regardless of will and merit. He incidentally reminded us why there are proper weight classes and why there has only been one simultaneous two-division champion in a major organization; Pride Fighting Championship’s Dan Henderson. Not to mention why Randy Couture and BJ Penn are the only pair of UFC fighters to have claimed a belt in two different divisions.

Many fighters have tried to succeed in multiple weight classes but most have come up short. Frankie Edgar tried getting a belt in two weight classes nonetheless, he only thrived at lightweight. BJ Penn fought at 145lbs, 155lbs, 170lbs and 205lbs. Kenny Florian failed in winning TUF Season 1 at middleweight before coming up short in UFC title bids at 145lbs and 155lbs. Diego Sanchez won the 185lbs TUF Season 1 title, then tangled at 170lbs, 155lbs and 145lbs, even challenging BJ Penn for his lightweight crown, but unable to succeed.

Did McGregor’s extra muscle and poor management of his weight betray him this past weekend? Probably. Did Diaz inadvertently save him from a thrashing had the Irish icon fought UFC welterweight champion and monster puncher, Robbie Lawler, undoubtedly? There is nothing wrong with trying to achieve greatness on multiple platforms, but every warrior must understand that it’s not worth risking their health and livelihood as well as permanent dents to their star power.

Whats Next For Notorious Nate?

Photo by Armando Romo

Okay, that’s not his nickname and he doesn’t really even have one but it sure does ring a bell following his surprise upset of McGregor. He took his foe’s undefeated streak inside of the Octagon therefore why not his moniker too? Brawler extraordinaire and BJJ master mechanic, Nate Diaz (20-10), is on top of the world after cashing his biggest purse yet, an almost one million dollar payday for the UFC 196 PPV victory. This win only sets up monster rematches with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and champion Rafael dos Anjos, even McGregor at some point when their paths cross again. If not, fresh bouts opposite Eddie Alvarez or the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson for a #1 contender spot.

Whatever Nate may decide many more fans will be watching and looking forward to his unabashed role as the villain in the movie. For some time he lurked in the shadow of his big brother, former Strikeforce and WEC welterweight champion Nick Diaz. Following the upset win that shook up world, maybe it’s time for Nate to challenge for his own welterweight belt as well? Either way the sky is the limit for the Stockton native who has secured his own legacy inside the Octagon and has everyone’s attention as they look forward to his next move with much interest and anticipation.