White wants new rival for Diaz, but fighter disagrees: 'Either McGregor, or vacation'

Dana (photo) spoke about N. Diaz's future. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

UFC president Dana White stated that he intends to maintain Nate diaz on the schedule of UFC 200, an event that will take place on July 9th, in Las Vegas (USA). However, the manager and the fighter disagreed regarding the plans for this to happen, as Diaz only agrees to step into the octagon if he is to face Conor McGregor.

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The UFC had already announced that McGregor and Diaz would rematch in the main fight of UFC 200. However, the Irishman refused to travel to Las Vegas to participate in the press conference this Friday (22), and ended up being cut from the schedule. Thus, Diaz remains confirmed at the event, but without a defined opponent.

“I had already said that I didn't want Nate to feel bad about this whole thing. [But] Nate diaz he will fight at UFC 200. We will find another opponent for him”, said the director, who immediately heard the opposite opinion from the North American fighter.

“I came to fight with Conor McGregor and I have no interest in anyone else. If it doesn't go against Conor, I'm going on vacation. He was the one who wanted the fight, I didn't even want it. But I want big fights, and if that’s not the case, I won’t do shit”, replied the athlete.

Asked if the UFC could offer perks to McGregor to keep him on the attraction, White disagreed. “It wouldn’t be fair to whoever is here. When [José] Aldo faced McGregor, his [Aldo] sister was getting married, but he came here and answered all the questions. This has happened to several other fighters, it's part of the job. The fight is in three months, and that's why we're doing this so far in advance. Everyone who has fought for the UFC in the last 16 years knows that we have to promote fights, record commercials, do interviews. Many of them came from different parts of the world, such as Brazil, Poland, and they are here. We gave Conor every chance to be here. I respect him a lot and I like him a lot, but he needs to be here for this kind of thing”, explained the manager.

White also confirmed that McGregor is expected to defend the featherweight belt in his next fight. “[Frankie] Edgar and Aldo will fight at UFC 200, and Conor McGregor will face the winner”, he clarified.

Finally, the UFC president indicated what his plans are for putting together the new UFC 200 main fight. “We are working on something. [Jon Jones x Daniel Cormier, for the light heavyweight title] It's a possibility, but we'll see. Another solution would be to put Aldo x Edgar in the main fight,” he explained.

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