The final press conference for Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal 2 was chaotic.
The UFC veterans meet in a 10-round, 175-pound boxing bout on July 6 in Anaheim, California. The first few press conferences held to build up to the fight were relatively calm, but when the rivals met at the final event during their media tour on Thursday, chaos ensued when a brawl broke out as Diaz was leaving the press conference room.
The event was tense, with Diaz, who had shown little interest in fighting at most events thus far, being more aggressive than usual. Diaz and Masvidal had numerous exchanges about their MMA careers, grappling, and previous fights, with Diaz appearing angry throughout the press conference afterwards.
“Not this f**king press conference,” Diaz said when asked what he was worried about. “I'm tired of sitting here, I'm tired of watching these motherfuckers, and I'm tired of watching you!” [directed at emcee Brian Campbell]”I'm so sick of this shit. I'm so sick of press conferences. I'm happy to be here promoting this great fight that's going on. It's super cool. But other than that, I think my job here is done. I'm not doing this shit anymore. I'm not doing any more press conferences until my next fight.”
“You ugly bastard [to Masvidal]I hate to disrespect you, but I'm tired of looking at you too. [to Campbell]”…I'm out. I'm fine. See you all. Bye.”
Diaz then rose to his feet and left the press conference, and as producers frantically called for him to face Masvidal again, the Stockton cream of the crop came to the front of the stage, struck a pose, then grabbed the microphone and said, “Face yourself, you motherfucker!”
As the fighters continued to argue with each other, Masvidal paced around the stage, and finally Diaz turned and walked away.
After Diaz was ejected, the crowd remained in front of Masvidal and a brawl broke out.
Melee broke out and Masvidal was shoved in the middle of the scuffle but eventually retreated from it. It's unclear exactly what happened after the initial altercation, but it appears that at least some members of the fighters' camps were caught up in the melee.
The action continued for some time, but eventually security personnel were able to restore order.
Diaz and Masvidal will face off on July 6 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
