Watch Nate Diaz shock the world with a rear naked choke submission against Conor McGregor in the 2nd round of UFC 196.
UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor bit off more than he could chew in his attempt to move up to two weight classes, getting choked out by late replacement Nick Diaz in the second round of their welterweight clash. Diaz took the fight on 11 days notice after McGregor's original opponent, UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, broke his foot and was forced to withdraw. In the day's leading up to the bout, both fighters traded harsh words with each other, but it was McGregor who was the more ruthless in his verbal onslaught.
As soon as the fight started, it was clear that McGregor had the speed advantage. It didn't take long for him to find a home for his left hand, opening up a cut over the right eye of Diaz midway through the round. Diaz, however, was game to trade shots, often landing the infamous "Stockton Slap". Although the blood dripping down the face of Diaz made it clear that McGregor took the first round, one had a sense that things could get interesting if the conditioning of Diaz holds up.
Both fighters continued to trade shots in the second round, but it was McGregor who looked like he was starting wear down. Then Diaz landed a hard shot that rocked McGregor and put him on the defensive. McGregor attempted a takedown, but Diaz scrambled and was able to get the full mount. As Diaz rained down shots, McGregor gave up his back. Diaz was able to slap on a rear-naked choke, forcing McGregor to tap at 4:12 of round 2.
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