Conor McGregor predicts he will knock out Nate Diaz in 1st round

Conor McGregor kept everyone waiting ahead of the press conference for his UFC 196 fight against Nate Diaz, but it was worth the wait.

McGregor and Diaz, two of the UFC's most notorious trash-talkers, didn't disappoint. The pair hurled insults at each other for the duration of the press conference.

McGregor, however, laid down the biggest gauntlet by predicting he would end the fight early.

"There are a lot of pussies in this game and he is not one of them," McGregor said of Diaz. "But business is business, and he will be knocked out in the first round."

The featherweight champion also directed insults at Rafael dos Anjos for pulling out of the bout due to a broken foot, calling the injury a "bruise" and advising dos Anjos that "ice does wonders."

Diaz, however, was not to be outdone. He accused McGregor - as well as the rest of the UFC - of using steroids, and later attacked his opponent for his arrogance.

"You knocked out three midgets and now you're pumped up," Diaz said, referring to the fact that McGregor is jumping up two weight classes for the bout.

As usual, McGregor made it clear that he believes he is the biggest money-maker in the UFC, and that he cares more about that than any belt.

"Fuck the belt. I don't give a fuck about the belt," McGregor said. "The only thing I give a fuck about is the check and my checks are super heavy."

McGregor and Diaz will face off on March 5 in Las vegas, Nev.