Conor McGregor will now fight Nate Diaz at UFC 196 on March 5 following the withdrawal of Brazil's Rafael Dos Anjos due to a foot injury.
Featherweight world champion McGregor was due to face lightweight champion Dos Anjos in Las Vegas in a bid to become the first UFC fighter to hold belts at two divisions simultaneously.
However, Dos Anjos yesterday declared himself unfit, leaving the door open for Diaz – an entertaining and popular brawler from Stockton, California.
UFC president Dana White last night confirmed the 170-pound fight following a day of frantic speculation.
Due to the late timing of the match-up, the fighters have agreed to meet at welterweight, meaning McGregor moves up two weight divisions for the pay-per-view card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The trash-talking has already begun, with a Diaz tweet last night referencing McGregor’s previous claims about future opponents having to beg for the payday that comes with fighting the Dubliner.
He's going to have to get on his knees and beg...
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 23, 2016
Dos Anjos, meanwhile, posted a picture of his injured foot on Instagram, saying: "Sorry to all my real fans and UFC.
"I have had 32 professional fights in my career and I never cancelled any fight due to injuries, but it is a contact sport and injuries happen. I believe God knows everything and he has better plans for me.”
