In the early hours of the morning, Irish time, the UFC confirmed that Nate Diaz will replace Rafael dos Anjos as Conor McGregor's opponent for UFC 196 on March 5th.
The Brazilian pulled out of the lightweight title fight due to a broken foot.
There's also a twist to the new bout - it will not be at lightweight but instead welterweight.
Due to the short notice of the fight, Diaz would have been unable to make the 155 pound mark.
That means McGregor moves up two weight classes to 170 from his previous featherweight title-winning match with Jose Aldo in December.
Here. We. Go. ? ?#UFC196 pic.twitter.com/CKhB74aUW8
— UFC (@ufc) February 24, 2016
Hopefully they will make this an official poster for the fight.
. @thenotoriousmma vs Nate Diaz Saturday March 5th on PPV!!!! pic.twitter.com/76e6JGBeCS
— Dana White (@danawhite) February 24, 2016
Dana White confirmed the fight on ESPN's Sportscenter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt6kmem3hbc
