Everyone knew that Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 2 was going to produce fireworks, but not too many folks anticipated it going down like this.
At the UFC 202 pre-fight press conference Wednesday, McGregor was fielding a question from ESPN.com's Brett Okamoto when Diaz stormed out of the presser, flanked by his brother Nick and training partner Jake Shields, shouting curse words at McGregor.
Security reports the entry of @nickdiaz209 stirred up the Diaz-McGregor confrontation. Said he motioned to Nate to leave.
— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) August 17, 2016
On his way out, McGregor jeered at him over the microphone until Nate threw a water bottle in McGregor's direction. That clearly angered McGregor, as he got up, went around the desk and scooped up two cans of Monster Energy and responded in kind. The exchange can be seen here (Warning: NSFW language and hand gestures):
Well that happened! ?? #UFC202 https://t.co/zlXVcpwgOY
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 17, 2016
I've watched it a few times. Diaz threw the water bottle first and then McGregor threw the cans of Monster Energy. Surreal. Crazy. Madness.
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 17, 2016
Diaz and Co. were rushed outside the room with security, McGregor was left on stage fuming, and UFC staffers were waving the presser to a close.
That head moooooooovement #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/TkjwDu7SaB
— caposa (@GrabakaHitman) August 17, 2016
One of the last images from the #UFC202 presser. A pissed off @TheNotoriousMMA staring down @NateDiaz209's camp. pic.twitter.com/Jpk8kDTDTb
— Matthew Wells - MMA (@MrMWellsArt) August 17, 2016
While this is a fun bit of news, it is a scary exchange that will likely result in some form of punishment for both men. While it's unlikely the fight is canceled or impacted, both men could be looking at fines or suspensions. The UFC, at least for now, doesn't seem too concerned about it:
So who you got now? ??#NateDiaz or #ConorMcGregor? #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/Fbu6RP8Fue
— UFC (@ufc) August 17, 2016
Either way, they are set to fight with their fists this Saturday at UFC 202.
