Does size really matter? Or does the buck of the bull mean more than the physicality? That’s a big question as fighters enter UFC’s brutal Octagon.  UFC Star Conor McGregor will endure the challenge of size March 6 as he faces up against big-man Nate Diaz.
Historically speaking, the larger the difference is between the two fighters’ reach and weight, the better the chance the bigger man wins.  In most cases, the only way the smaller man wins is with extreme expertise; that, or a boneheaded mistake by their opponent. Realistically though, the little guy stands no shot.
Despite the odds, audiences have grown to love the underdog because people can relate to having a long shot chance. We glamorize the stories where the hero rises from the ashes for an unlikely victory. It is a narrative that is pervasive in almost every form of entertainment: movies, books and legends. Just take a look at the Harry Potter books, Rocky Balboa movies, and even the Hercules legend. The narrative is so embedded in our culture that it even stretches to biblical times, such as the story of David and Goliath.
Yeah. Basically, we worship these stories. It has driven us to the point where we reject success. Let’s be honest: how many people rooted for the Patriots to win the Super Bowl during their perfect season? Outside of New England, the answer is close to zero.
So why is it that a superstar like Conor McGregor has been able to retain so much support? My guess is that McGregor will take on anyone, regardless of their size. McGregor heads into his next fight on the short end of a  three inch height difference.  
In the past, McGregor has been criticized for protecting his brand and taking so-called “safe fights.” However, as McGregor’s success propelled him to the forefront of professional fighting, McGregor also increased the difficulty of his opponents, and now, on the eve of the McGregor-Diaz matchup, McGregor will even suffer a clear height disadvantage. This progression in difficulty has silenced many of his critics.
Now on the verge of another high-profile fighting event, McGregor is set to face up against Nate Diaz on March 6.  While McGregor is by and large the better fighter, Diaz has the advantage in two key categories: weight and reach. Diaz stands at six-feet tall, but is just one pound heavier than McGregor. March 4 at the weigh-ins, Diaz came in at 169 pounds, while McGregor came in at 168. Beyond that, Diaz also has an advantage with a four-inch longer wingspan than McGregor.  
While McGregor may look like a pup in comparison, the scrappy fighter is much more like a fierce Irish pit bull, relentlessly ripping at his opponents ‘til their subdued.  McGregor’s 18-2 record is testament to his ferocity.
When McGregor is not in the Octagon, he uses the same tenacity to irk opponents in press conferences and media events. In last week’s presser with Diaz, Diaz accused McGregor of steroid use in response to a bombardment of insults by the Irishman.  McGregor got under Diaz’s skin while making some backhanded insults about Diaz’s softness and fake tough-guy persona.
In response to the accusations, McGregor fired back with another instant classic line:
“Steroids? What are you talking about, steroids? Don’t be putting my name with steroids! I’m major against that. Don’t put my name in the name of steroids, Nate!” McGregor replied. “The only weight I give a f–k about is the weight of them checks, and my checks are always super heavy. So I don’t give a s–t.”
With temperatures rising between the two, can McGregor, the 5’9, 145-pounder conquer the Octagon once again? Only the six foot Diaz stands in his way.