UFC 244’s main event bout between a resurgent Jorge Masvidal (35-13-0) and the enigmatic Nate Diaz (21-12-0) didn’t disappoint, for three rounds, that is.
A doctor’s stoppage before the fourth round gave Masvidal a rather anticlimactic TKO victory — a lackluster end to what was, for what it’s worth, a terrific fight night.
Ultimately, a New York State Athletic Commission’s ringside physician urged referee Dan Miragliotta to stop the fight. Diaz’s reputation as a bloody fighter showed itself once again, as a laceration above his right eye effectively tabled the remainder of the fight. He’s noted bleeder, especially over that right eye where the scar tissue has burst in most of his memorable bouts.
Personally, I can’t help but think that the fight would have slogged on if it took place in Las Vegas, where the Nevada Athletic Commission probably wouldn’t have been so timid.
Just a few years removed from the legalization of MMA in the state of New York, the fresh-faced NY Commission still seems green in their ever-cautious approach. Granted, its jurisdiction has overseen a few tragedies insofar as fighter health is concerned, and Diaz’ cut did look pretty nasty. But while I fully support the prioritization of fighter health, I (like most) were left wanting more.
Diaz is an absolute dog, a warrior and by all means, a rightful fan favorite. Despite having the clear advantage, Masvidal looked worried going into the fourth — and for good reason.
Diaz’ conditioning — even in his veteran form — makes him a formidable out in later rounds. He clearly wanted more and I don’t think anybody really doubted Diaz’ ability to stretch out two more rounds.
All Diaz fanboyism aside, this victory is huge for Masvidal — on paper, at least. In a tremendous late-career redemption, the 16-year veteran has run the welterweight gauntlet, making mincemeat of Darren Till and Ben Askren before notching this victory on Saturday night.
Tragically the stoppage might just have robbed Masvidal of the moment that his resurgence really deserves. To that point in the bout, Masvidal had Diaz’ number. His star had never shined brighter and capturing a win against Diaz should have capped off a year that revived his career.
Instead, Masvidal found himself getting booed by thousands, center stage at the historic Madison Square Garden. Many questions remain unanswered: Could Diaz have pulled it out? Would they have stopped the fight if Diaz were winning? Could Masvidal withstand a late-round Diaz surge?
As important as fighter health is, I think we all lost here. Fans left the fight wanting more, the NY Commission got slammed for being too cautious, Diaz didn’t get his chance to rally, and Masvidal didn’t get the moment of triumph that he frankly deserved.
So what’s next?
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Diaz v. Masvidal II can’t come soon enough. In the meantime, Masvidal would be right to take a shot at the welterweight title belt. The victor of next month’s UFC 245 Usman vs. Covington title slate may very well find Masvidal on the horizon. Lightweight champ Dustin Poirier says he’s first in line for the next Diaz card fight.
On the other hand, the money for both fighters probably lies in a Conor McGregor return bout.
Either way, an otherwise-terrific UFC 244 fight ended with letdown it was a rare loss for all parties. Both fighters are in the latter stages of their careers, and it’s uncertain if we’ll get to see a rematch. If we ever get the privilege of seeing Diaz and. Masvidal in the Octagon again, let’s hope that it’s in Vegas.
Joe Rull is the multimedia editor and a reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter at @rulljoe.
