Conor McGregor's rise to the top of the UFC came to a dramatic end on Sunday, stunned by rival Nate Diaz.

Undisputed UFC featherweight champion McGregor stepped up two divisions for the bout at UFC 196 in Las Vegas and the Irishman seemed destined for another memorable victory, with Diaz left battered and bloodied following the first round.

But just as Diaz appeared out on his feet, the American stunned McGregor with a straight left before forcing the overwhelming favourite into submission via a rear naked choke.

It was a night of upsets in Las Vegas as UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm lost by submission to Miesha Tate in the fifth and final round.

Holm, who shocked Ronda Rousey in November, seemed to be in control in the round one, but Tate absolutely dominated the second by getting the former to the mat and capitalising on her ground weaknesses and nearly choking her out.

Holm looked to outperform her opponent in the third and fourth round, but Tate was able to get in another chokehold in the final round and submit the previously undefeated champion.