Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz: Could UFC 196 be in danger after Diaz appears to injure hand during showdown scuffle?

Diaz and McGregor clashed at the final press conference before Saturday's UFC 196 event and the American appeared to hurt his hand in the process

Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz square off ahead of UFC 196 (Getty Images)

Conor McGregor was supposed to meet lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 on Saturday night, only for the Brazilian to withdraw from the bout a fortnight before the Las Vegas showdown due to a foot injury.

To ensure fans weren’t left disappointed, Nate Diaz stepped in to face McGregor at 170 lbs, 25 lbs heavier than McGregor’s last fight in which he knocked Jose Aldo out in just 13 seconds to win the UFC featherweight championship.

But could Diaz now be facing an injury of his own on the eve of his fight?

The pair clashed on Thursday night during their pre-fight staredown, and after exchanging a series of insults that ranged from financial, weight and personal barbs, the two went eye-to-eye for the penultimate time before they fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Diaz elected to try an intimidate McGregor by striking a stance that saw him thrust his right fist into the face of the Irishman, who quickly took exception to his opponent’s advances. McGregor batted away his hand with a slap, and the two tried to square off forcing UFC president Dana White to step in and separate the pair.

Once the dust had settled and the two entourages had been split up, Diaz was spotted holding his right hand – the one that McGregor has slapped – as if it was causing him some distress.

Watch the video below…

The sight of Diaz looking in some discomfort will alarm UFC fans eager to see McGregor in the Octagon again due to the fear that he could pull out without enough time to source out another replacement. Women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm will co-main event UFC 196 when she makes her first title defence against Meisha Tate, but the bout is unlikely to hold up anywhere near as much interest as McGregor’s will attract.

BT Sport is the only place to watch UFC 196: Conor McGregor v Nate Diaz & Holly Holm v Meisha Tate. Tune into BT Sport 2 live from 1.00am on Saturday 5th March. For more info visit btsport.com