Dhiego Lima (left) (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Conor McGregor and others believe that the fighter’s second bout with Nate Diaz will go differently, now that he can adjust to competing at 170 pounds, but Dhiego Lima clearly doesn’t see things that way.

After McGregor was tapped out by Diaz at UFC 196 last month, the featherweight champ said he miscalculated how his power would transfer, fighting at welterweight. As a result, the Irish star campaigned hard for a rematch with Diaz, and the promotion granted McGregor’s wish. The two will fight again at UFC 200 on July 9th, and 170 pounds.

Recently UFC veteran Dhiego Lima appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, fresh off his win at Legacy FC 53. When asked for his take on how Diaz – McGregor II will unfold, the American Top Team fighter stated:

“Nate Diaz man. Nate Diaz is going to be trained now,” said Lima, while referring to the fact that Diaz took the bout with McGregor on short notice. “It just pisses me off that they would do that fight. You’ve got a f—ing guy who is the champion, he’s not even defending his belt, and somebody else is fighting for his interim belt. It’s a joke for me man.”

As a result of McGregor’s desire to fight Diaz once more, the UFC booked former featherweight champ Jose Aldo to face Frankie Edgar for the interim 145 title. That fight will also take place at UFC 200.

“He’s going to get his ass handed to him again,” added Lima. “Nate Diaz beat him and he wasn’t even training. Now Nate Diaz is going to have a full camp. I don’t see any other thing. I don’t see Conor beating him. The only chance he has if he catches him, which I don’t think he will.”

UFC 200 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.