Being a close friend and training partner for Nate Diaz, Jake Shields is obviously a little biased when it comes to offering up his thoughts on the UFC 202 main event between Diaz and Conor McGregor.
Regardless, the former Strikeforce champion and UFC title contender was amazed by the effort put forth by both men this past weekend. McGregor claimed a majority decision in Las Vegas, evening the personal rivalry at 1-1.
“It was an amazing fight,” Shields said. “It was one of the best fights I’ve seen in a while. I thought Diaz pulled out a close decision, but I need to go home and re-watch it on TV. Watching it (live) I thought it was close, but I thought Diaz pulled it out.”
After the bout, Diaz mentioned injuries and issues in his training for the camp. Seeing as he was there for most of it, Shields explained what he meant.
“Just some health issues,” Shields said. “I don’t want to make excuses for anybody. He wasn’t able to grapple very much. Still, Conor came out and fought great. Nate came out and fought great.
“I thought they both did well and it was a very entertaining fight to watch.”
