During the UFC 196 press conference, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz got in a lively scuffle, only kept apart by UFC president Dana White, who is no MMA fighter, but can usefully bench 300 for reps. It began when Diaz’s hand got close to McGregor’s face, perhaps touching it. McGregor then appeared to slap the hand away, but a slow mo of the exchange shows it was a punch.
https://twitter.com/SandhuMMA/status/705547635902521344
Diaz can be seen shortly afterwards clutching the struck hand. This led to internet speculation that McGregor might have damaged Diaz’s hand with the punch.
https://twitter.com/ZProphet_MMA/status/705550263998947328
During an appearance onFox Sports Live, McGregor bragged about hurting Diaz.
“The man was afraid to look me dead in the eye, so he put a frame in front of him,” said McGregor. “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.”
Several fighters complained about the act on social networks, including UFC lightweight Eddie Alvarez.
•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
•Im all for a good stare down , even pushing but A punch anywhere before the Ref warns both fighters is Wrong on every level #p***ys*** #ufc
The Nevada State Athletic Commission declined to take any formal action against either fighter.
Diaz denied there was any problem with hand. If course, given his toughness and character, even if there was something wrong with the hand, that is exactly what Diaz would have said.
