Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor won a thrilling decision victory over Nate Diaz in their rematch at the Ultimate Fighting Championship's UFC 202 event in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Featherweight champion McGregor had stepped up two weight classes to fight Diaz at welterweight in March but was submitted by the Californian in the second round.
On Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena both fighters did heavy damage but neither could find the knockout blow over five bloody rounds. Judges gave McGregor a majority decision victory, setting the stage for a third fight.
McGregor downed Diaz early in the first round with a stinging left hand and fought a tactical fight, peppering his opponent's front leg with kicks.
Diaz hit the deck twice early in the second round but McGregor declined to take the fight to the mat, signalling for Diaz to get up.
Known for his durability, Diaz then landed two telling strikes of his own, forcing McGregor back against the cage towards the end of the round and grabbing the momentum.
Diaz came close to finishing it in the third but McGregor somehow stayed on his feet despite a series of heavy blows.
Both fighters were struggling with fatigue in the final two rounds, which were heavy on clinches around the cage, and Diaz managed to take McGregor down in the final seconds of the fifth.
The flamboyant McGregor is the biggest draw in the UFC, as shown by his $3 million paycheck for Saturday's fight.
While a third fight between the two would be a huge draw, the UFC is keen for McGregor to defend the featherweight title he won by beating Jose Aldo last December or to vacate it.
In Saturday's co-main event, top light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson knocked out Glover Teixeira with a thundering right uppercut to put himself into contention for a title fight against champion Daniel Cormier.
Reuters
Sun Aug 21 2016
Conor McGregor reacts as he is announced the winner following his welterweight mixed martial arts bout against Nate Diaz at UFC 202 on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Las Vegas. - AP Photo/Isaac Brekken
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.