It was the punch heard around the world.
When Conor McGregor came face to face with Nate Diaz at the final UFC 196 press conference yesterday (Thurs., March 4, 2016), the extremely combustible pair of pay-per-view (PPV) headliners nearly caused a riot.
That’s because after Diaz tried to upstage the “Notorious” Irishman in a staredown, the former lightweight title challenger ate a left hook to his right hand. Luckily, security was there — as they were for a prior dust-up between the two — and they were able to restore order rather quickly.
Who should pay for creating such a potential explosive situation? No. 1-ranked lightweight contender Eddie Alvarez says McGregor should pay the tab.
Conor should be fined for sneaking an opponent before the actual fight . Not a Nate fan but 20% is owed , Pussy shit @ufc @eafight #Payup
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
Im all for a good stare down , even pushing but A punch anywhere before the Ref warns both fighters is Wrong on every level #pussyshit #ufc
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
A punch was indeed thrown and the last time we saw that happen, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier were fined for their actions.
For McGregor, a fine would probably amount to a drop in the bucket, considering he just throws around cash; however, the SBG Ireland product won’t receive a monetary penalty as a repercussion for throwing a punch.
“UFC President Dana White handled the situation,” NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told MMA Fighting.
Was this a cowardly act of sabotage on the part of McGregor, or is he just beating Diaz at his own game?
For continuous coverage of the entire UFC 196 card, including live updates and play-by-play, click here and here.