McGregor vs Diaz press conference for UFC 202 sees chaos break out
The fight is expected to be a crazy one and there were also fireworks at the pre-fight presser.
Nate Diaz and the 'Notorious' Conor McGregor clashed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas ahead of their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday at UFC 202.
Things started with a negative when McGregor was late.
“We’re starting without him”, UFC president Dana White told the gathered media.
“He has to start respecting people’s time, man. Yours, [the fans], mine, [the other fighters], David Copperfield’s (who’s theatre was used to host the press conference), everybody’s.”
When McGregor, who was watching events on his phone in the car en route to the MGM Grand, eventually showed up he told the crowd he was late because he was under the impression it was due to begin later.
“I thought it started at half one, I was told half one”, said the featherweight champion, still catching his breath after legging it from the car to the stage, but keen to get back into the routine of stealing the show, as he continued: “Vegas’ traffic is heavy as well this time of year. I don’t know, there must be a McGregor show going on because the place is packed out”.
When asked if he was disappointed the press conference started without him, The Irishman said he wasn't.
"I’ve made these conferences, I’ve helped shape what this is, but also they’ve almost got me, well they have got me kicked off cards before so, look I’m just happy to be here, I’m ready to fight that’s all I know. You know you’re going to get a fight when I’m here, you know it’s going to be a show so, forget all this other crap and this time keeping stuff. I’m here.”
After a few more questions, things went from calm to chaotic when all of a sudden Diaz stood up and walked off stage.
He looped his way around the back of the media who were sat in front of the stage, middle fingers in the air and telling everyone where to go as he joined his team towards the rear of the theatre.
McGregor was quick to retaliate saying: “You’ll do nothing, get the f*** out of here”.
When Diaz threw a bottle towards the stage all hell broke loose. It started raining bottles and cans, as McGregor threw an entire tables worth of water bottles and cans at Diaz’s team and vice versa, despite being told not to by White.
The two parties were quickly restrained and White wrapped up the conference. “Sorry guys, see you Saturday”.
Rumours of ramifications for both McGregor and Diaz are doing the rounds, but for now all we know is that UFC 202 just got a lot juicier.