While it had been rumored that Nate Diaz would be getting the vacant UFC 196 slot against Conor McGregor, now it appears as though they’re having some issues booking the fight on such short notice.
McGregor was supposed to face Rafael dos Anjos in a lightweight bout for the UFC lightweight championship. Given that McGregor was already going up 10 pounds to fight Rafael dos Anjos, the UFC doesn’t want to see McGregor fight at a catchweight bout of 165 pounds. In addition, the UFC’s offer isn’t worth Diaz dropping down to 155 pounds in less than two weeks.
BJPenn.com’s very own LayzieTheSavage broke the news on Twitter.
UFC isn't going to allow McGregor to fight at 165lbs when he's already moving up to 155lbs. Nate isn't going to 155lbs on 2 weeks. /story
— Michael Mardones (@LayzieTheSavage) February 23, 2016
The offer isn't even in the ballpark of what it would take to get Nate to make 155lbs on two weeks.
— Michael Mardones (@LayzieTheSavage) February 23, 2016
Is it time for the UFC to call Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, who is already cutting weight in anticipation of getting the fight?