One would have imagined that the UFC was hoping that something eventful took place during the final UFC 202 press conference.
In an attempt to ramp up the hype, and therefore guarantee higher pay-per-view numbers, the promotion’s executives were likely crossing their fingers for another memorable war of words between headliners Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
What they got instead was ‘The Notorious’ and Diaz’s team chucking water bottles and cans of energy drink across a bank of media members and fans, with about five minutes of the two fighters actually at the press conference together after McGregor showed up late.
And while it certainly increased interest in the UFC 202 main event, the fracas has not gone down well with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Diaz storms out of #ufc202 presser, starts throwing bottles. McGregor returns fire. pic.twitter.com/J7D3hngMWC
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) August 17, 2016
UFC president Dana White has claimed that both McGregor and Diaz can expect a hefty fine for their irresponsible behaviour during Wednesday night’s press conference.
“They’re both getting punished,” White told TMZ Sports.
“What everybody’s got to understand is that we’re overseen by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. I guarantee both of these guys are going to get massive fines. And there’s probably gonna be a hearing too after the fight.
“There could be suspensions and community service. It’s going to be ugly!”
And the punishment may not stop there as, apparently, a child was hit with a stray water bottle during the melee and legal proceedings are reportedly already in motion.
"Bro, why you hitting kids with bottles?" ~ Nick Diaz #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/bZ7qPL3ry7
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 17, 2016
Nick Diaz, older brother of Nate, spoke to a child who claimed he had been hit by a McGregor projectile during the exchange.
And White, while not giving out any specific details, claimed that a lawsuit is on the way:
“The word is that in this thing, somebody was injured so there’s going to be a lawsuit and who knows how it’s all going to play out?
“Somebody’s filing a lawsuit. All the wheels are in motion on it.”
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