Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh has dismissed calls for his fighter to step in and face Nate Diaz at UFC 230 next month.
Nate Diaz had been scheduled to fight Dustin Poirier in the co-main event. However, Poirier is said to have suffered an injury which leaves him unable to take part. The news led to several calls for a McGregor versus Diaz trilogy to headline the Madison Square Garden contest. Derrick Lewis, who fought on the same card as McGregor, is set to take on Daniel Cormier in the new main event on November 3.
However, Kavanagh is not in favour of McGregor also stepping up on short notice. He pointed out that McGregor was suspended from fighting until November 6 and with no contact allowed until October 28 under the medical suspensions handed out via the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Medical suspension folks. But Tony v nate?? 💥💥
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 10, 2018
Lewis was handed the same sentence, but the New York State Athletic Commission can shorten those suspensions. Yet Kavanagh explained he does not want to expose his fighter to sustained headshots in a condensed period of time.
I wouldn't be in favour of more headshots so soon after. Gotta think athlete's health long-term.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 10, 2018
The damage from fighting, the real damage, is not visible until late 40s or 50s usually. Long after fans are gone.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 10, 2018
The decision is a wise move for the long-term health of his fighter. McGregor took some big shots last week, including a huge right hand that almost floored him in the second round. A rematch with Diaz would inevitably include prolonged bouts of stand-up trading and moderate impacts that are repeated frequently are proven to have an effect on everyday cognitive functioning.
It now looks like Diaz is off the card, with the 33-year-old telling Ariel Helwani's MMA Show he will fight the UFC lightweight champion Khabib when "he is ready."
