Conor McGregor is set to take on Nate Diaz at UFC 196 following his original opponent Rafael dos Anjos pulled out of the fight yesterday.
The change of opponent means the Crumlin native will have to step up two weight divisions to welterweight, an increase of 155lbs to 170lbs for the clash on March 5.
Conor agreed to step up in weight in just two weeks to face Nate Diaz in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Nate hoping to prove himself as he’s lost three of his last five fights.
Here. We. Go. ? ?#UFC196 pic.twitter.com/CKhB74aUW8
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The new opponent was announced by UFC president Dana White on ESPN’s Sports Center.
“We figured this would be the most exciting fight. It’s the fight that Conor really wanted,” he said.
“A lot of people wanted to fight Conor McGregor, but Diaz wanted the fight and we figured this was the fight to make and the fight that the fans wanted to see.”
Dana also admitted that they contacted Jose Aldo, who Conor knocked out in an incredible 13 seconds to win the Featherweight belt, for a chance to have a re-match – but he turned it down.
Beast: Conor is set to move up two weight divisions in just two weeks | VIPIRELAND.COM
“We called Jose Aldo, Jose Aldo turned the fight down. We called Frankie Edgar, Frankie Edgar turned the fight down,” Dana explained.
“We called ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, (and he) absolutely accepted the fight – would love to take the fight. B.J. Penn said he wanted the fight.
“A lot of guys wanted this fight, but we ended up with Nate Diaz. We felt this was the fight to make and the fight the fans wanted to see,” he added.
