Sherdog’s Top 10: UFC Plans Gone Awry

3. Nate Diaz Taps Conor McGregor

He has become the biggest pay-per-view attraction in Ultimate Fighting Championship history, and McGregor was supposed to put forth another masterful performance at UFC 196 on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas while waiting for injured lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos to heal. Having already captured the featherweight title, the polarizing Irishman was not only poised to dethrone dos Anjos but there was talk of his moving all the way to 170 pounds to challenge Robbie Lawler for welterweight gold, as well. Talk about putting the horse a few blocks in front of the cart.

When dos Anjos suffered a broken foot in training, the UFC had to find a suitable replacement. Despite interest from Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Frankie Edgar, the UFC settled on Diaz. Everyone involved underestimated the Stockton, California, native’s toughness and resolve. He withstood heavy fire from McGregor in the first round, rallied through blood loss and stung the Irishman with a straight left in the second round. Soon after, McGregor shot for a desperation takedown and found himself trapped beneath a mounted Diaz. He surrendered his back, leaving himself open for the rear-naked choke. So much for a three-division reign by the end of 2016.

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