UFC free fight: Nate Diaz shakes up the world, hands Conor McGregor first octagon loss

Nate Diaz famously wasn’t surprised when defeated Conor McGregor and converted his infamous callout into the biggest win of his MMA career.

After defeating Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17 in 2015, Diaz (20-12 MMA, 15-10 UFC) delivered his now-legendary expletive-laden post-fight speech and called out “The Notorious.”

Then-UFC featherweight champion McGregor, was slated to face lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos for the 155-pound title at UFC 196, as he attempted to become the first man to hold two UFC titles simultaneously. But after dos Anjos was forced out due to injury, Diaz stepped in and grabbed the opportunity of a lifetime.

McGregor pressed the action early at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and left a big cut above Diaz’s right eye. Diaz landed a takedown late, but McGregor swept him and wound up in top position at the end of a strong Round 1 for the Irishman.

In Round 2, McGregor continued to find a home for some of his shots, ripping to the body and landing several well-timed uppercuts. But, as the round progressed, Diaz started to land his jab at will as McGregor’s pace slowed.

Diaz tagged McGregor with a clean one-two combination that stumbled McGregor, then poured on the pressure with added strikes. McGregor shot for a desperation takedown, but Diaz wound up in full mount, before eventually transitioning to the back and sinking in the rear-naked choke.

McGregor’s tap secured a huge upset win for Diaz, who had stepped in on short notice to become the first man to beat McGregor in the UFC. The two faced off again at UFC 202 later that year, as McGregor avenged his loss with a majority decision win.

Recap the action in their unforgettable first encounter via the video above.