Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz — Fight recap

Nate Diaz submitted Conor McGregor via rear-naked choke in the second round at 4:12 of their UFC 196 welterweight bout on March 5, 2016. McGregor landed 61 significant strikes at 43% accuracy while managing only 39 seconds of control time, unable to establish his typical striking dominance against Diaz's volume and composure.

Diaz countered with 77 significant strikes at 50% accuracy and secured the fight's only takedown, converting it into dominant position with 1:12 of control. After eating strikes throughout the first round, Diaz capitalized on McGregor's compromised position in the second, sinking the choke as McGregor faded.

The loss marked a significant upset for the featherweight champion fighting up two weight classes on short notice, exposing vulnerabilities in his cardio and grappling defense against a larger, durable opponent. McGregor would seek immediate redemption in a rematch later that year.