UFC 196 headliners Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz set for war of words today in Torrance

Look for a fireworks show today along Hawthoe Boulevard in Torrance.

Hours after booking a new main event at UFC 196 between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, the UFC aounced the volatile pair will take part in a press conference at 1 p.m. at the UFC Gym in Torrance.

Today was supposed to feature an open workout with lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and McGregor, the featherweight champion who was moving up to the 155-pound division in attempt to become the promotion’s first titleholder in two weight classes.

Reports emerged Tuesday moing that dos Anjos had broken his foot in training camp and was forced to withdraw from the March 5 main event at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The UFC, in an effort to preserve the card, reached an agreement Tuesday with McGregor and Diaz to hold the fight at the 170-pound welterweight limit.

McGregor (19-2), the Irish superstar who won the 145-pound title in December with a 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo, is known for his gift for gab.

Not to be outdone is Diaz (19-10), the Stockton native and UFC veteran whose outspoken nature has eaed him fans and critics around the globe. The fifth-ranked lightweight, who fought for the 155-pound belt in a unanimous-decision loss to Benson Henderson in 2012, is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Michael Johnson in December after a one-year layoff.

The UFC 196 co-main event features women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm, in her first title defense three months after her stuing knockout victory over Ronda Rousey, against former title contender Miesha Tate.

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