Memorable moments: in March 2016, McGregor ran into Diaz and lost for the first time in the UFC. The American took the fight less than two weeks before

Conor McGregor is arguably the most prominent figure in the entire history of the UFC. He had a perfect start, winning fight after fight and winning the title quickly. However, in March 2016, his spectacular entry into the organization was put on hold by Nate Diaz, who ended his undefeated run in the best organization in the world.

The UFC 196 tournament, which took place on March 5, 2016, saw some big changes from the original program. Conor McGregor, the featherweight champion at the time, had to handle one of those changes.

For only the second time in history, champions of two weight classes were to face each other in the UFC. The Irish star was supposed to challenge Rafael dos Anjos, but he broke his leg in preparation for the fight.

The UFC had a great replacement planned. A rematch with the legendary Jose Aldo, whom McGregor defeated in December 2015. However, he declined due to lack of time to prepare. Frankie Edgar turned down the fight due to a groin injury.

The fight was eventually accepted by former title challenger Nate Diaz. However, there was a weight class change, with McGregor set to make his welterweight debut. The American accepted the fight less than two weeks beforehand.

There were high expectations, with the Irishman going into the fight as a fairly big favourite. And the first round looked like it. McGregor had much faster hands and was able to open up Diaz. But then round two came and Diaz started to turn the fight around.

The American got McGregor in so much trouble in the standup that he tried an uncharacteristic takedown. He later regretted it. In fact, with less than a minute left in the second round, he tapped out after Diaz made a great catch with a rear-naked choke.

There was no missing the typical Diaz celebration that has become absolutely iconic. McGregor lost for the first time in the UFC, ending his streak of seven wins in the UFC and fifteen wins overall.

The UFC 196 tournament made history. At the time, it was the tournament with the most PPV sales in the organization’s history. 1,317,000 were sold. Moreover, it was superbly charged for the rematch, which broke that record and holds the top spot to this day.

According to the world media, Diaz earned at least $500,000 by winning, McGregor an even $1,000,000.

Source: UFC, Sherdog, MMA Fighting, Tapology