UFC star Nick Diaz was reportedly jumped by four assailants outside a Las Vegas nightclub in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
TMZ report that a representative from the Hyde venue said Diaz used the bathroom at 2:30 a.m. and was confronted having accidentally bumped into somebody. Diaz is reported to have "apologised and said he didn't want any trouble" before three other men joined the initial customer and jumped the 33-year-old.
"I didn't start it," Diaz told TMZ. "They didn't know who I was." Per ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Diaz's role in the altercation has been cleared up by the club:
Spoke to a rep from the club who confirmed Nick wasn't the problem. Exact words, "Nick was very well behaved." ?? https://t.co/Fs2HVwZHWj
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 24, 2016
Diaz said he would not be pursuing prosecution for his attackers and that "they got the worst of it."
According to TMZ, Diaz did attempt to defend himself, although he was struck in the head. The altercation is said to have turned into a melee that spilled into the Bellagio casino and culminated in the attackers "swinging chairs and brawling with club and casino staffers" before being escorted off the premises.
Per Fox Sports' Damon Martin, Hyde had no issue welcoming the Stockton fighter back any time soon:
Statement from Hyde at the Bellagio about Nick Diaz:
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 24, 2016
"We enjoyed having Nick with us and he is always welcome at Hyde."#UFC
Martin also suggested that Diaz, and his brother Nate, are misunderstood away from the Octagon because of their pugnacious style in it:
I wonder if people realize that Nick and Nate Diaz are actually really, really nice guys outside the cage? Such a misconception about them.
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 24, 2016
Diaz hasn't competed under the UFC banner since January 31, 2015, losing to Anderson Silva in a bout that was later ruled as a no contest due to both men testing positive for banned substances in the aftermath. The American was initially hit with a five-year suspension, although it was lifted on August 1, 2016.
Prior to Nate's fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 202, Nick was involved in an incident that saw members of both camps toss water bottles and cans at one another during the pre-fight press conference.
