Nate Diaz

By FCF Staff

Conor McGregor has let it be known that he’s not overly impressed with Nate Diaz’s abilities, but the latter’s boxing coach says the fighter could make him “look silly” at UFC 196.

McGregor and Diaz have been booked to fight next Saturday on March 5th, following the withdrawal of Rafael dos Anjos from the event. McGreogr was originally scheduled to fight the lightweight champ, who’s been sidelined with a broken foot.

At a press conference last week to promote UFC 196, McGregor was critical of Diaz’s stand-up game and claimed he would take the veteran out in the first round. Recently Diaz’s boxing coach, Richard Perez, spoke to Submission Radio. While discussing his fighter’s upcoming bout with McGregor, Perez stated (quote via MMA Fighting.com):

“McGregor is a good striker,” Perez said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying he’s not, but Nathan’s better. I mean, when Nathan’s on his gameplan he’ll make him look silly.”

“Well the thing is, [in] the striking department, Nate is a lot better when he’s in good shape and not injured or anything,” added Perez. “So when it comes to the night of the fight, McGregor’s going to be shocked.”

Diaz is coming off a unanimous decision win over Michael Johnson in December. McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo to become featherweight champ that same month.