Oh, what could have been.

If not for Nick Diaz's 18-month suspension for marijuana stemming from a positive test at UFC 183, there may be another Stockton local fighting Conor McGregor on March 5 at UFC 196.

Making an appearance on FOX Sports Live Wednesday evening, McGregor was asked if he would have preferred to face Nick over brother Nate.

"I certainly did ask when Nick's ban is up," said McGregor. "He's still banned so either or is good for me. Maybe somewhere down the line I'll probably contest against both, I feel."

Nick shadowed Nate at Wednesday's press conference in Torrance, Calif., and McGregor believes he detected a bit of nsecurity from the elder Diaz.

"Nick is proud of his little brother," said McGregor. "I could see it up there. He was worried for him or something. I could see it. I had to tell him, 'Nick, he's doing well up here. Relax.' But that's his baby brother so it is what it is."

Following the event, Diaz was asked if he would have taken his brother's spot if Nate was unable.

"I'm f**king ready to go, bro," Diaz told FightHub. "I'm ready to go today. They said 170 [pounds], what the f**k?"

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Done in one? Conor McGregor predicts he'll knock out Nate Diaz "inside the first round."

'You and Dos Anjos and Pettis and everybody.' Nate Diaz accuses Conor McGregor and "the whole UFC" of taking performance enhancing drugs.

Not happy. Frankie Edgar "pissed" at UFC, says the "C" in UFC stands for "Conor."

Odds. Conor McGregor opens as a heavy favorite over Nate Diaz at UFC 196.

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas discusses the UFC 196 shake-up, Michael Bisping vs. Anderson Silva, Bellator 149 and more in this week's live chat.

MEDIA STEW

Highlights from the McGregor-Diaz presser. (full presser here)

Joe Rogan previews Anderson Silva vs. Michael Bisping.

Open workout highlights from Fight Night London.

Watch Big John explain the rules of MMA to Dada 5000 moments before he fights.

Chael Sonnen discusses the fallout from UFC 196.

Free Fight: Nate Diaz vs Takanori Gomi.

Long watches.

Anderson Silva vs Michael Bisping (Heavy Hands)

...

...

TWEETS

Bridesmaids.

Why Gregor didn't pick Cerrone to fight!? He loves some out of shape with 10 days notice like Mendez. Want 2 belts? Gotta beat me — Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) February 24, 2016

Funny he wants to fight on 10 days notice while I'm nursing an injury but never before, not surprised. — Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) February 24, 2016

Going to be starting a bit late today. Thanks for the patience. #UFC196 — Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) February 24, 2016

Wonder why??



O that's right ....... Forgot who y'all we're dealing with https://t.co/AktXCbbyKM — Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 24, 2016

C stands for Conor.

Cuttin'.

Feeling good.

220 pounds, eating six times a day.Feeling stronger than ever. Firing on all cylinders. Shout out to my weight... Posted by Jon "Bones" Jones on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Congrats.

It is an honor to be the first Irishman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated!

What a time... https://t.co/Z31uPR1hfI — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 24, 2016

Buds.

Hanging with my first cousin, #UFC Featherweight champ #ConorMcGregor. Two more pints and we fight. Coming 3/3. A photo posted by CONAN (@teamcoco) on Feb 24, 2016 at 7:50pm PST





Nice single leg counter.

#dotninja technique of the week, the bump back, see if you can hit this. pic.twitter.com/u2UOAFbLIz — Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) February 24, 2016

It happens.

@One_Punch has been water loading all week, can't wait to relieve himself. #urinetrouble at open workouts! pic.twitter.com/kI5Grdsf1B — Mike Brown (@mikebrownmma) February 24, 2016

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Feb. 24 2016)

Ben Askren vs. Nikolay Aleksakhin at ONE: Global Rivals

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.