McGregor avenges loss to Diaz in all-time classic at UFC 202

Conor McGregor is on top of the MMA world again.

In one of the most highly-anticipated rematches in UFC history, McGregor erased his lone Octagon blemish by winning a majority decision in an exhilarating back-and-forth battle with rival Nate Diaz in the main event at UFC 202 on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The outcome was in doubt to the final bell as evidenced by two of the judges scoring the fight 48-47 for McGregor and the third issuing a 47-47 draw.

One thing that wasn't in question was the spectacular performances put on by both McGregor and Diaz. The crowd at the T-Mobile Arena was on the edge of their seats as they watched an instant classic unfold before their eyes.

From the start, it was clear that this match would be different than the first. Rather than plow ahead with undisciplined haymakers, McGregor pulverized Diaz with leg kicks before setting up his power shots. And those power shots came in the form of several stirring left hand blows, one of which shook Diaz.

The second round was even more fortuitous for McGregor, as his measured game plan paid off in spades. He scored two more knockdowns and it looked like the fight would become a blowout.

Then Diaz came to life.

Showing off the resilience and unending cardio that has made him one of the sport's most respected fighters, Diaz increased his output and finished the round strong by pressuring McGregor against the cage with his striking and grappling.

Round 3 started to resemble the second round of their first meeting at UFC 196 as McGregor was visibly tired. Diaz's striking onslaught only became more intense and it looked like the fight was in danger of being stopped with a minute to go. Somehow, McGregor held on to make it to the fourth.

"The Notorious" found a second wind in Round 4, picking away at Diaz from a distance before moving back in to score points in bunches. Diaz was clearly affected by the gathering blood on his face that limited his vision, but he continued to press forward and beckon McGregor to engage in his usual charming fashion.

In the fifth, it actually looked like the normally relentless Diaz was slowing down as both fighters threw everything they had left at each other. McGregor still had enough strength to fend off any Diaz takedown attempts, though he was brought down at the end, leading to a suspenseful finish and a mutual show of respect.

With the win, McGregor gets a measure of revenge after Diaz submitted him at UFC 196. He is now 8-1 inside the Octagon and post-match, he all but guaranteed that he and Diaz would dance again, though next time at 155 pounds.