UFC 196 is finally here and the event is like a ticking time-bomb waiting to explode with two main events that should be something to watch.

On one end is the UFC Women’s bantamweight match pitting defending champion Holly Holm against challenger Miesha Tate. Pressure is more on Holm to retain the crown in order to preserve a rematch with former champion Ronda Rousey.

The First Non-title Main Event Since 2006

And then there is the other main event pitting Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. This will be a non-title bout and the first since 2006 that such a match has been made.

Back in 2005, UFC 51 saw Tito Ortiz take on Vitor Belfort in a non-title matchup. Until now, the UFC always pitted title matches. Ortiz won that one over Belfort via split decision, per UFC.com.

The co-main event became a non-title matchup after the pull out of UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. The Brazilian fighter withdrew after suffering a broken foot and Diaz was selected among the names floated as McGregor’s new opponent.

A reason behind the selection is believed by to be due to the animosity tied up with both fighters.

Does Diaz Deserve to Win

Diaz called out McGregor last December following his last fight against Michael Johnson, which he won via unanimous decision, via MMAfighting.com.

While his performance was seen as impressive by some, his level of conditioning is put into question against McGregor. The short notice leaves a lot of questions on the table but has not shot down any possible surprises on the part of the pride of Stockton.

McGregor, on the other hand, seems to be favored in every front. He is bigger and has obviously prepared against dos Anjos. That alone should give him a decisive edge, though Diaz’ style is different from that of dos Anjos.

Through appearances, Diaz has shown attitude and is unfazed by McGregor’s mind game antics. With the color developing between the two, it will be interesting to see if McGregor can belt out the same performance he did against Jose Aldo back at UFC 194 in just 13 seconds.

McGregor is Overwhelming Favorite

Odds see McGregor an overwhelming favorite. Per ESPN, McGregor is -420 while Diaz is +375. The call is not surprising considering the last minute change in opponent though Diaz may find it wise to try and ground the Irishman and avoid the strikes he is expected to unleash.

If Diaz is unable to find an antidote to McGregor’s offensive, the Irishman will likely come out of this fight winning via knockout. The fight is not expected to go the full route and will likely be over by the first or second round.

UFC 196 kicks off starting at 8 p.m. ET with the preliminary matches from the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas this Saturday, March 5.