Conor McGregor shares a FROSTY exchange with arch-rival Nate Diaz at UFC 285 as big names descend on Las Vegas to watch Jon Jones claim the heavyweight title against Cyril Gane
Long-term rivals Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz seemed to lock eyes in the stands – as both men attended to watch Jon Jones win the UFC heavyweight title on Saturday night.
Jones made French opponent Cyril Gane tap out during the first round of their bout at UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
The fight attracted a huge host of celebrities, as well as names from the world of MMA, including McGregor and Diaz.
Both men have long been linked to a trilogy bout, after sharing one win each in their previous two encounters.
BT Sport posted a video of both men in the crowd, where the duo appeared to have a cold exchange at the T-Mobile Arena.
Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz were in attendance for Jon Jones’ victory at UFC 285
Jones became the heavyweight champion when Cyril Gane tapped out in a guillotine choke
The video begins with Diaz appearing to look at McGregor and make a gesture towards his rival. The camera pans to McGregor who is also looking in Diaz’s direction – his face grim – before he turns away.
Diaz picked up a second round submission victory over McGregor when the pair first fought in Las Vegas in March 2016.
McGregor didn’t have to wait much longer to get his winning streak back, with a majority decision victory five months later in the same arena as Jones and Gane fought last night.
In recent years, the pair have clashed on social media, with reports linking them to a decisive third battle.
Although McGregor has been out of action since July 2021 after breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier.
He currently coaches The Ultimate Fighter, and is set to make his return against Michael Chandler later this year.
Diaz, last fought in September where he defeated Tony Ferguson by submission with a guillotine choke, before deciding not to sign a new UFC deal and being made a free agent.
McGregor was seen sitting next to US actor Jake Gyllenhaal in the stands during the event
McGregor was spotted by UFC president Dana White and the two shook hands
Both McGregor and Diaz have spoken about a potential trilogy fight between the pair
Ahead of Diaz’s final fight, McGregor tweeted: ‘Congrats Nate Diaz on completing his contractual obligations to the UFC, and being a bonafide superstar goer. An incredible feat. Fair fight. Our trilogy will happen.’
McGregor was seen shaking hands with UFC president Dana White at the event last night, while he was also pictured with Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhall.
He was seated in a separate section from Diaz, but the couple were in clear view of each other from where they were sitting.
