UFC legend Robbie Lawler has stirred controversy by claiming Nate Diaz spared Conor McGregor from a more humiliating defeat during their iconic 2016 encounter. The former welterweight champion’s unique perspective on submissions has reignited discussions about one of the most memorable upsets in UFC history.
The controversial submission that changed UFC history
In March 2016, the MMA world witnessed one of the most shocking upsets when Nate Diaz stepped in on short notice to face the then-unstoppable Conor McGregor at UFC 196. The Stockton native managed to weather McGregor’s early storm before turning the tide in the second round.
After rocking McGregor with punches, Diaz secured a rear-naked choke that forced the Irish superstar to tap out. This victory instantly became the defining moment of Diaz’s career, elevating his status in the UFC and setting up a lucrative rematch months later.
However, according to Robbie Lawler, the submission victory wasn’t as devastating as it could have been. During a recent interview revisiting his Hall of Fame career, Lawler doubled down on comments he initially made in June 2016:
“He did just take his freaking neck and let him off the hook,” Lawler stated firmly. “Diaz could’ve done whatever he wanted… I wanna beat people up, that’s how I fought.”
This perspective highlights the philosophical divide between fighters who prefer submissions versus those who seek more punishing victories through strikes and ground-and-pound.
Lawler’s unique philosophy on fighting and submissions
Robbie Lawler’s fighting style throughout his legendary career was characterized by brutal striking exchanges and relentless pressure. His perspective on submissions versus beatdowns offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a fighter known for his violent approach.
“In the UFC, I had zero submission attempts,” Lawler revealed. “I work on submissions, but in a fight, I’m trying to beat him up.”
The 43-year-old UFC Hall of Famer believes there’s a fundamental difference between submission victories and knockouts or dominant decisions. According to Lawler, submissions lack the definitive statement that comes with thoroughly outclassing an opponent through strikes.
“If you submit somebody, there’s tricks, right? There’s little tricks, like, ‘Ah, you tricked me’,” Lawler explained. “But if you whoop somebody’s ass then there was really no trick to that.”
This perspective from Lawler represents a traditionalist view on combat sports dominance that values visible damage and physical superiority over technical submissions. It’s particularly notable coming from a fighter who competed in an era when the UFC was transitioning from its raw beginnings to a more technical sport.
| Fighter | Fighting Style | UFC Submission Attempts | Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbie Lawler | Striker | 0 | Prefers beating opponents up |
| Nate Diaz | Boxing/BJJ | Multiple | Takes opportunities as they come |
| Conor McGregor | Counter Striker | Few | Prefers knockout victories |
Diaz’s future plans and unfinished business
Since defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022, Nate Diaz has ventured outside the UFC to pursue boxing matches against Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. However, the Stockton native has recently expressed interest in returning to the promotion that made him famous.
“I plan on going back to the UFC,” Diaz revealed on the HJR Podcast. “If they have me, I would like to go back and f—– whoop someone’s ass there.”
Diaz has identified several potential opponents for his UFC return, including:
- Conor McGregor (for a trilogy fight)
- Max Holloway (current BMF champion)
- Ilia Topuria (though Diaz acknowledged the size difference)
The most intriguing matchup remains the potential trilogy bout with McGregor. Their series currently stands at one win apiece, with Diaz winning the first encounter by submission and McGregor taking the rematch by majority decision.
“Whenever [McGregor] is back. Me and him for sure got unfinished business. Got to happen,” Diaz emphasized, highlighting his desire to settle the score once and for all.
At 40 years old, Diaz’s interest in the BMF title currently held by Max Holloway also presents an interesting storyline. Diaz was the original BMF champion after defeating Jorge Masvidal, and he clearly feels a connection to the belt.
“It’s the most entertaining s— there is,” Diaz said about the BMF title. “I hope you know you’re wearing my belt.”
Legacy perspectives in the modern UFC era
Lawler’s critique of Diaz’s victory method against McGregor raises interesting questions about how fighting legacies are judged in the modern UFC era. While submissions have always been part of mixed martial arts, the way fighters and fans perceive different victory methods continues to evolve.
For purists like Lawler, the visual dominance of a striking victory carries more weight than the technical mastery of a submission. This perspective is particularly notable given that Lawler’s most memorable moments came in bloody wars against fighters like Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit.
However, for submission specialists and many MMA purists, the technical brilliance of forcing an opponent to surrender represents the ultimate victory in combat sports. The fact that one can defeat an opponent without causing unnecessary damage exemplifies the martial arts philosophy of efficiency and control.
Regardless of how fans and fighters view the Diaz-McGregor submission, it remains one of the most significant moments in UFC history. The image of McGregor tapping to Diaz’s choke fundamentally changed both fighters’ trajectories and created one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries.
As Diaz potentially prepares for a UFC return in 2025, the controversy stirred by Lawler only adds another layer to the rich narrative surrounding the Stockton fighter’s legacy and his historic victory over McGregor.
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