Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz rematch confirmed for UFC 200 with Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar also announced

Diaz handed McGregor his first defeat in the UFC in March but the Irishman has pushed for an immediate rematch

(2016 Rey Del Rio)

After heavy rumours, it has been officially announced that Conor McGregor will take on Nate Diaz in a rematch at UFC 200 and the fight is again set to take place at welterweight.

The two men first met at UFC 196 in March in a fight that Diaz took on incredibly short notice with just eleven days to prepare following Rafael dos Anjos injuring himself and pulling out of the original fight with the Irishman.

At UFC 196, McGregor (19-3, 7-1 UFC) fought two weight classes above his usual featherweight division – of which he is the champion – while Diaz (19-10, 14-8 UFC) moved up from lightweight to fill in the main event slot in what would turn out to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events in the history of the promotion.

After rocking McGregor with a beautiful combination that would cause the featherweight champion to shoot in for a takedown, Diaz defended the takedown attempt flawlessly and eventually would lock in a rear-naked choke to earn a tap from McGregor and hand him his first ever UFC loss.

Since his defeat, McGregor has expressed his desire for a rematch with Diaz, at the same weight limit. While the announcement is not a huge surprise due to multiple rumours from various credible sources, McGregor’s wish to avenge his first loss in the UFC has been granted. As he was back in early March, Diaz should be in for a sizeable payday which will be his only real incentive to rematch McGregor under the same circumstances.

With McGregor tied up in this fight and not booked to defend his featherweight championship, the UFC has announced an interim title fight will take place between former featherweight champion Jose Aldo (25-2, 6-1 UFC) and former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (20-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC).

UFC released these images of Diaz and McGregor to announce the fight (UFC)

While Aldo lost the title to McGregor in December, Edgar has openly expressed his frustration with seemingly been passed over for the title shot. Both men have been campaigning for a crack at the champ; one seeking redemption, the other seeking an opportunity. Now, both men will fight it out to determine a new interim champion to face McGregor at some point in the near future.

Conor McGregor lost to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 (Getty Images)

UFC 200 takes place on 9 July 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the brand new T-Mobile Arena.

The fights expected to be on the card so far are:

Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz

Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar - Interim Featherweight Title

Travis Browne vs Cain Velasquez

Derek Brunson vs Gegard Mousasi

Joe Lauzon vs Diego Sanchez