UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz – How They Reconstructed A Successful Main Event

Whether you are a fan of the UFC or not, you have to give props to the organization’s match making abilities and the way that they seamlessly weave their way throughout social media traffic while simultaneously reassembling main events at a moment’s notice, no matter the circumstances.

Just take a look at last month’s UFC 196 version 1.0 incident. That brisk Saturday night in Las Vegas was supposed to feature the highly anticipated rematch between legend killer and UFC heavyweight champion, Fabricio Werdum opposite ex-titlist, Cain Velasquez. Unfortunately, the Mexican-American got hurt two weeks out and had to pull out the scheduled title bout. Then, in a bizarre turn of events so did an injured Werdum the very next day and before you know it the once $49.99 pay per view morphed into a UFC Fight Night absolutely free on Fox Sports 1. Not only did fans get to save some money for a future purchase but they got to see a new main event for the now UFC Vegas: Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson at no cost giving the featured welterweight duel tons of exposure. Furthermore, the South Carolinian’s annihilation of former UFC 170lbs belt holder, Hendricks, was seen by a much larger audience than hypothetically those that were planning to order UFC 196.

Photo by Armando Romo

Following UFC Vegas’ conclusion the internet was buzzing like an angry hornet’s nest, arguing over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson’s (12-1) significant status in the Top 10 rankings and just how far up he should go in his next outing. Top 5? Fight another ex-champ? Fight a former title contender? Get the next title shot? Whichever way you cut it, a superstar was born as well as a much welcomed opponent for the division’s ruler, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (26-10) in the second half of the year should his rumored title defense against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 200 be just that, a rumor. Thus the switch in main events in February only benefitted a red hot division while also picking up big ratings.

Photo by Armando Romo

Now, let’s look at the UFC 196 version 2.0 debacle that turned into a gold mine for UFC brass. UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor was renumbered to UFC 196, keeping its original date, location and main event. However, after suffering a broken foot in training camp lightweight champion , Rafael dos Anjos (24-7)needed to step down from the headlining bout opposite MMA rock star, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor (19-2) leaving the Irishman without a dance partner. Former champions Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar declined the bout citing time constraints and injuries, probably causing a small amount of panic over at UFC headquarters but nonetheless, it was very short lived as a worthy replacement stepped in to handle the marquee match. Resident bad boy Nate Diaz (19-10), gladly took the bout fresh off of his upset win over 4-1 favorite Michael Johnson a little over two months ago at the UFC: Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Cowboy Cerrone 2 show.

And this is where everything falls beautifully into place in some intricate strategy that only the architects over at Zuffa could design.

What better way to piggy back off of Diaz’ resurgence then to have him headline opposite McGregor? Who better to challenge the Irish icon’s 15-fight winning streak? Also, Nate’s post-fight interview after his unanimous decision over Johnson almost broke the internet fueled by its vocal assault on his foe via multiple verbal jabs and hooks. For those hardcore fans clamoring to see feather weight champion, Conor McGregor move up in weight, they got exactly what they wanted when this match was announced to take place at the welterweight limit. Incidentally, “Mystic Mac” did not a want weight-drained Stockton Kid in the cage with him this Saturday night, he desired the best version of Diaz available on two weeks’ notice. This also sets up potential plans for McGregor to jump up to 170lbs and challenge for a title in that division, a move he has made clearer than his crystal ball of predictions during recent interviews this year. Why not a test-run against a come forward, offense-heavy, volume puncher like Nate Diaz who brings a 2-inch reach advantage and 3-inch height advantage into the MGM Grand Garden Arena this weekend? Did I mention the fan favorite Diaz has hundreds of thousands throughout social media platforms rallying behind him to pull off what would be a massive upset against the 5-1 favorite in McGregor?

Photo by Armando Romo

Back in January the press conference announcing that tickets went on sale for dos Anjos vs. McGregor topped out at roughly 300,000 online views. Last week’s press conference officially announcing McGregor vs. Diaz is clocking in at 2.5 million views and counting. All of this while keeping in mind that there was no time for a press tour or months’ worth of ads in newspapers and magazines. Just enough space on the event poster for two legitimate grinders that love to fight, booked for one explosive main event inside the Octagon. Few companies can match the talk or excitement of a scrapped main event, but even fewer organizations can top it with a worthy headliner to its predecessor. This is what separates the UFC from its competition and the new main event’s intrigue will be one of the many reasons fans will tune in for the UFC 196 PPV live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. That night in Las Vegas reigning UFC 145lbs champ, Conor McGregor collides with former title contender, Nate Diaz in what should be a fun, raucous, and thrilling welterweight bout for however long it lasts.

Photo by UFC

If that’s not a company reconstructing an event while regrouping and bouncing back with a featured fight just as impactful as the one originally, I don’t know what is?