The MMA world witnessed a fascinating conflict of opinions when Nate Diaz publicly demanded apologies from Joe Rogan and Conor McGregor over their criticism of Stephen A. Smith. This controversy, stemming from UFC 246 analysis, eventually proved Diaz right when Donald Cerrone later admitted he “didn’t want to be in there” during his fight against McGregor.
When Nate Diaz stood up for Stephen A. Smith against MMA royalty
In early 2020, the UFC landscape buzzed with excitement as Conor McGregor made his highly anticipated return to the octagon at UFC 246. The Irish superstar demolished Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in just 40 seconds, using unconventional shoulder strikes before finishing with a head kick and follow-up punches. While fans celebrated McGregor’s comeback, a heated debate erupted from an unexpected analysis by ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith.
Smith, covering the event at T-Mobile Arena, boldly claimed that Cerrone had essentially “given up” during the brief encounter. This assessment immediately triggered backlash from prominent figures in the MMA community, particularly UFC commentator Joe Rogan and McGregor himself. Both men publicly criticized Smith, suggesting the sports broadcaster lacked the necessary understanding of MMA to make such judgments.
Amidst this growing storm of criticism, Nate Diaz surprisingly emerged as Smith’s defender. The Stockton native took to X (formerly Twitter) with a direct message: “Rogan and Conor should give Stephen Smith [an] apology. He said what it was. The fight was over before it started.” This unexpected take from a respected fighter added a compelling layer to the controversy, especially considering Diaz’s history with McGregor.
UFC CEO Dana White also weighed in against Smith’s commentary, stating: “The last thing you want to do is hear somebody ripping them apart. I’m not into it. Rogan is not into it. You don’t see that in the UFC.” White emphasized that while constructive criticism has its place, tearing down fighters after a loss contradicted the respect-based culture the organization tried to maintain.
Vindication for Diaz when Cerrone’s confession surfaced
What transformed this controversy from a typical MMA debate into a validation for Diaz was Cerrone’s subsequent admission. The veteran fighter later confessed that he “didn’t want to be in there” during the McGregor bout, essentially confirming Smith’s initial assessment. This revelation shifted the narrative dramatically, proving that Diaz’s defense of Smith had been justified all along.
The timeline of events unfolded as follows:
- McGregor defeats Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246
- Stephen A. Smith claims Cerrone “gave up” during the fight
- Rogan and McGregor publicly criticize Smith’s analysis
- Dana White supports Rogan’s position against Smith
- Nate Diaz defends Smith and demands apologies from Rogan and McGregor
- Cerrone later admits he “didn’t want to be in there,” validating Smith’s initial take
This sequence highlights how Diaz demonstrated his trademark authenticity by standing against the majority opinion in the MMA community. While many observers rushed to condemn Smith as an outsider making unfair judgments, Diaz recognized something genuine in the analyst’s perspective that was later confirmed by Cerrone himself.
The broader implications of this controversy in MMA media
The Diaz-Smith-Rogan controversy raises important questions about who gets to analyze MMA performances and how criticism is received within the sport’s ecosystem. The incident highlighted the tension between traditional sports media figures like Smith entering the MMA space and the established voices within the community like Rogan who have built their reputations on specialized knowledge.
Stephen A. Smith has remained a peripheral figure in MMA discussions since this controversy, continuing to address UFC topics on his ESPN show “First Take.” The lasting impact of this incident can be seen in how MMA fans and personalities perceive outside analysts’ perspectives on fighter performances.
| Key Figure | Initial Position | Ultimate Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen A. Smith | Claimed Cerrone “gave up” | Vindicated by Cerrone’s later admission |
| Joe Rogan | Criticized Smith’s analysis | Never publicly acknowledged being wrong |
| Conor McGregor | Defended his opponent against criticism | Position undermined by Cerrone’s confession |
| Nate Diaz | Defended Smith and demanded apologies | Proven correct in his assessment |
Nate Diaz’s enduring presence in MMA discussions
Despite competing just twice in MMA over the past six years, Nate Diaz has maintained his relevance and fan-favorite status through various activities both inside and outside the cage. Recently, plans for Diaz and Jon Jones to appear on ALF Reality, a Russian equivalent of The Ultimate Fighter, were cancelled after a brawl erupted on set—another example of Diaz’s unpredictable nature.
At 40 years old, Diaz continues to make his voice heard on social media, weighing in on various MMA topics and controversies. His willingness to speak his mind, regardless of popular opinion, reinforces why fans remain drawn to his authentic personality. The Stockton native’s fearlessness extends beyond the octagon into how he approaches public discourse about the sport.
This particular incident with Rogan, McGregor, and Smith exemplifies why Diaz remains relevant even during extended periods away from competition. His ability to cut through the noise and identify truth—even when it contradicts the sport’s most powerful voices—demonstrates the independent thinking that has made him such an enduring figure in MMA culture.
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