WATCH: McGregor, Diaz in a near brawl at UFC 196 presser

MANILA, Philippines – It was only to be expected that outspoken fighters Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz would once again become confrontational, but both men nearly exchanged blows during the press conference for UFC 196 on Friday, March 4 (PH Time) at MGM Grand’s David Copperfield Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the two men were called to meet at center stage for the traditional pre-fight staredown, McGregor came forward in a hurry, prompting UFC president Dana White to step in.

Diaz extended his right fist near to McGregor’s chin as his response, but the Irish slapped it away, sparking a commotion on stage.

While UFC officials and the venue’s security personnel intervened to restore order, Diaz’s team joined the fray and had to be held back from McGregor’s side.

McGregor and Diaz are set to lock horns in a welterweight bout on Sunday, March 6 (March 5 in US) at UFC 196, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

McGregor was originally penciled to face UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who pulled out of the bout due to a foot injury.

Many fighters in the UFC roster offered themselves as replacement foes for the UFC featherweight titleholder, but Diaz struck the jackpot in the McGregor sweepstakes and was given Dos Anjos’ spot to battle the 27-year-old Irishman in the headliner of the aforementioned pay-per-view event.

Slotted in the co-main event portion of UFC 196 is a women’s bantamweight championship clash between reigning champion Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. – Rappler.com