When the boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. first popped up as a rumor, many never believed it would happen simply due to the lack of experience McGregor has in the sweet science. Despite being a two-division UFC champion, he had never stepped into the boxing ring for a competitive fight. How would any commission license a guy making his pro debut while taking on one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time in Mayweather?
Well, it appears that the reputation of Nate Diaz had a lot to do with it.
Nevada State Athletic Commission head Bob Bennett explained his thought process on licensing McGregor to Sky Sports - and apparently, McGregor has his UFC 202 win over Diaz to thank for being a key piece of evidence to license him:
"I reviewed UFC 202 which was a perfect indicator of Conor's boxing abilities.