McGregor, Diaz trade verbal shots before UFC 196 showdown

TORRANCE, California — When the UFC put two of its most prodigious trash-talkers on the same podium to discuss their hastily arranged bout, the resulting display of promotional fireworks didn’t disappoint.

Conor McGregor’s verbal sparring with Nate Diaz might even make the new main event of UFC 196 bigger than the original matchup.

McGregor is the UFC’s featherweight champion, and the loquacious Irishman had hoped to win the lightweight belt simultaneously on March 5 before Rafael Dos Anjos pulled out of their bout Tuesday with a foot injury.

READ: Injured Dos Anjos apologizes for UFC pullout: ‘Accidents happen’

McGregor referred to Dos Anjos’ injury as “a bruise” and wondered why he didn’t just take ibuprofen. McGregor then asserted Diaz is an unskilled brawler and made fun of the contracted 170-pound weight limit, saying they’re fighting for “the McGregor belt.”

As for Diaz, he started off by flatly asserting McGregor is on steroids, infuriating the champ.

READ: McGregor to fight Diaz at UFC 196 after Dos Anjos gets hurt