Did McGregor’s punch do damage to Nate Diaz’s hand? Either way, Eddie Alvarez says Conor shouldn’t get away with throwing a punch at the UFC 196 press conference.
During the UFC 196 press conference, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz got in a bit of a scuffle where the Irishman punched Diaz’s fist during the staredown. Nate was seen clutching his hand shortly after, leading to a bit of speculation whether it actually did damage or possibly even broke his hand after the punch.
McGregor, on his part, did brag about hurting Diaz when the two made an appearance at Fox Sports Live.
“The man was afraid to look me dead in the eye, so he put a frame in front of him,” McGregor said. “I quickly snatched it and broke his wrist. The medics are in with him now! His wrist will never be the same! Like his knee, his bum right leg.”
For what his worth, Diaz on his part, denies that his hand is hurt. Although with a massive paycheck on the line, people continue to speculate as Nate likely wouldn’t really want to pull out of the fight either way.
Regardless of the state of Diaz’s hand, many people have chimed in, and lightweight contender Eddie Alvarez are among those who think McGregor shouldn’t get away with throwing a punch before the fight.
@ItsPhoenixJones @kickbackattack he punched his hand and could have easily broke it look at the tape !
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
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
Look if u disagree You prob dont fight or better yet… have a friend fucking left hook you in the hand. See how Feels , then hit me Back
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem with a portion of a purse going to the opponent of someone who throws punches during pre-fight media obligations. I agree with Alvarez in a sense that intense and crazy staredowns are fine as it sells fights, but throwing strikes that could put bouts in jeopardy shouldn’t go unpunished.
Either way, here’s to hoping that hand is okay. Diaz already has enough to deal with coming in on extremely short notice against one of the best fighters in the UFC.