5 Best UFC Fights Of 2016
2. Conor McGregor Vs. Nate Diaz II - UFC 202
A crazy set of circumstances led to some of the most financially beneficial "bad luck" in sports history. UFC 202 - one of the promotion's biggest selling pay-per-views of all-time - featured a rematch between two men whose paths would have likely never crossed without multiple fighters suffering event-altering injuries.
The first clash between MMA's new top box office draw and the Stockton slugger was originally supposed to be the featherweight champion's chance at becoming a two weight titlist with a shot at Rafael Dos Anjos. When RDA went down, Nate Diaz stepped in on short notice and tapped out "Notorious" in the second round to the delight of many of the outspoken Irisman's detractors and derailing a hype train that was careening out of control.
A rematch was dangerous for both Conor and the UFC; a second loss would have put a massive dent in the drawing power of the man UFC was now relying on to carry the company in the absence of Rousey and GSP. Dana White told anyone who would listen that McGregor was "obsessed" and would only fight Diaz, so rather than defend his FW strap the two went to war a second time.
And what a f*cking war it was.
While not as packed full of non-stop action as Swanson/Choi or lacking the winging haymakers of Bosse'/O'Connell or Reyes/Kim, the rematch kept audiences standing the entire 25 minutes with some of the most emotionally draining momentum shifts we've ever seen.
It was an intensely dramatic bout, and it appeared we were headed toward a repeat of the first fight's results. That's when McGregor lived up to the immense pressure put upon him by himself, his fans and his employers by digging deep and shifting the tide in his favor. Ultimately Conor was awarded a majority decision (an outcome I personally disagree with) and set the stage for what will likely be a future rubber match, despite Dana's claims that wars like that take a lot out of fighters and for someone "special" like McGregor "it's just not right."
I have a feeling the new UFC ownership will disagree.