Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz: McGregor plays down immediate rematch with Jose Aldo and Floyd Mayweather on the cards

McGregor defeated Dieaz at UFC 202 to leave their rivalru locked at 1-1 but despite both men calling for a third match, McGregor admits he has other business first

Conor McGregor reacts at the end of his fight with Nate Diaz (Getty)

Conor McGregor has played down the chances of an immediate rematch with Nate Diaz for a third consecutive fight after admitting he needs to take a look at his options, following his incredible UFC 202 victory on Saturday night.

McGregor claimed a majority decision victory over Diaz after a thrilling five-round epic that has been hailed as the greatest fight in UFC history, and avenged his defeat by Diaz at UFC 196 in March this year.

Both men, draped in blood immediately after the bout, called for a third fight to settle their fierce rivalry, but when the dust had settled and 28-year-old McGregor had time to take in events, he admitted that an immediate rematch against 31-year-old Diaz was unlikely.

McGregor has the UFC featherweight title to defend against former rival Jose Aldo or risk being stripped of the crown, while a possible superfight against boxer Floyd Mayweather – almost certain to be a boxing match rather than a mixed martial arts affair – has been mooted with both men publicly declaring their interest.

Asked if he would face Diaz for a third time, McGregor responded: "Probably not. The belt situation is lingering.

"I've got to talk. I've got to talk about what's next, there's a lot of options. Some might not be this sport, so we'll see.

"I've got to sit down and see what piece of the pie they're offering me now, and take it from there."

His comments contrasted the immediate feelings of both fighters after their epic encounter, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan asking them if a third match was now on the cards given the rivalry was locked at one win apiece.

"All I know is that it's 1-1," an excited McGregor said after the fight. "Let's regroup and do it again!

"This time I want to do it at 155 pounds, I came in at 170 with him as the bigger man and I overcame that adversity.

"Now this trilogy is on my terms, come back down to 155 and we'll do it."

Conor McGregor celebrates his victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 202 (Getty)

McGregor holds the UFC championship at 145 lbs and would still be fighting above his usual weight should he face Diaz, although it would be less of a size difference given he moved up to welterweight for his two bouts with the California native.

The other possible equation for a third match is the possibility of bringing the rivalry to Ireland. Both fights so far have taken place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but McGregor believes he would be giving back to the fans if he can take their potentially decisive third fight to Dublin.

"I'd love it. I was over the moon when I walked into that weigh-in and they (Irish fans) were all there,” he said.

McGregor celebrated with his fans at an after party in Las Vegas (Getty)

"I would love to fight at home in front of my countrymen.

"It's hard for my fans to come over here for fights and I understand that. So I don't know and we'll see, but hopefully."