UFC 202 was one of the most anticipated events in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA). The event, which took place on August 20, 2016 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, was headlined by a rematch between UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and perennial contender Nate Diaz. The fight had been scheduled to take place at UFC 200, but was postponed due to a disagreement between McGregor and the UFC over media obligations.
The rematch between McGregor and Diaz was highly anticipated, as their first bout at UFC 196 had ended in a stunning upset victory for Diaz. McGregor, who had moved up two weight classes to face Diaz, gassed out early in the second round and was eventually submitted by Diaz via rear-naked choke. The loss was the first of McGregor's UFC career, and many fans were eager to see if he could exact revenge on Diaz in the rematch.
In the lead-up to UFC 202, both fighters engaged in a heated war of words, with McGregor repeatedly taunting Diaz about his perceived lack of discipline and work ethic. Diaz, for his part, seemed unimpressed by McGregor's insults, and declared that he would once again emerge victorious against the Irishman.
When fight night finally arrived, it was clear that both fighters were in top physical shape and ready to do battle. From the opening bell, McGregor adopted a different strategy than he had in the first fight, using more leg kicks and attempting to wear down Diaz's lead leg. Diaz, however, remained calm and composed, stalking McGregor around the cage and landing several hard shots.
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, it became apparent that it was going to be a closely contested affair. Both fighters landed big shots, with McGregor bloodying Diaz's face and Diaz rocking McGregor with a series of powerful punches. In the end, the judges' decision was razor-thin, with McGregor winning a majority decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47).
While the outcome of the fight was controversial, there is no denying that UFC 202 was an incredible showcase for the sport of MMA. The event drew record-breaking crowds and generated massive amounts of revenue for the UFC, cementing the organization's position as the premier MMA promotion in the world.
In addition to the McGregor-Diaz rematch, UFC 202 featured several other high-profile fights, including a co-main event between Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira. Johnson emerged victorious via knockout in the first round, further cementing his status as one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division.
Overall, UFC 202 was a tremendous success and a testament to the growing popularity of MMA around the world. With more and more talented fighters entering the sport every year, it seems likely that events like this will continue to captivate audiences and draw fans from all walks of life.