After UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos pulled out of his title defense against featherweight titleholder Conor McGregor early Monday, it was announced by FOXSports.com that Nate Diaz is stepping up on short notice to fight the Irishman in a non-title welterweight bout in the main event of next week’s UFC 196.
McGregor most recently captured 145-pound gold with a 13-second knockout over former longtime champ Jose Aldo this past December at UFC 194. Prior to that, he finished Chad Mendes to earn himself the interim belt last summer.
Diaz recently got back on track with an upset decision over top contender Michael Johnson this past December at UFC on FOX 17.