UFC lightweight contender and analyst Gilbert Melendez says McGregor vs Diaz rematch will end the same way

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Gilbert Melendez doesn't pull punches inside the Octagon or out of it, especially when it pertains to training partner Nate Diaz.

In a recent interview with FOX Sports, Melendez details his outlook on Diaz's impending rematch with UFC Featherweight champion Conor McGregor, who Diaz defeated via second-round submission back at UFC 196.

""I don't see it going any differently. I see Conor, if he does fight him again, he fights like the smaller man," said Melendez. "He'll try to stick and move and try to kick out Nate's front leg and try to take his shots. Ultimately, Nate will stand strong, he'll eventually walk him down, he'll start landing the 1-2 and we'll see the same finish."

In their first meeting, McGregor got the best of Diaz on the feet in the first round. But due to the Irishman's unfamiliarity with fighting at 170 pounds, he began to fade in the second frame, allowing Diaz to land some significant shots with his boxing before squeezing McGregor's neck for the win.

"Maybe a little bit later because Conor's going to use his footwork to dance around and maybe not try to stand in the pocket as much," added Melendez. "Ultimately, we'll see the same conclusion where Nate's reach is a problem and he's standing toe-to-toe and he's boxing him up and (Conor) is dead tired and takes an ugly shot and falls into a submission."

No official announcement has been made regarding the highly-anticipated rematch, and it may take longer than expected consider talks between Diaz and UFC brass aren't going that well.