Prior to the UFC announcing that Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson had been moved from the co-main event to the main event, and the Pay-Per View being moved to Fox Sports 1, Nate Diaz reportedly tried to save the event.

According to MMAFighting, Nate Diaz reportedly tried to save the event by fighting Anthony Pettis in the main event of UFC 196.

Apparently, the UFC considered the option, however they decided for “undisclosed reasons” to go in another direction and promote Hendricks vs. Thompson to the main event.