Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz had their UFC 196 pre-fight press conference yesterday and, as I’m sure you’re aware, it didn’t come without some fireworks. Apparently we have Nate’s brother Nick to thank for that, because he had apparently told his bro that it’s game on if McGregor even touched him.
But seriously, was Nate kidding us with this fighting stance, with his fists basically an inch from McGregor’s mug?
Saturday can't come soon enough! #UFC196 https://t.co/sZjTF5UaPi
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2016
Of course McGregor slapped his hands away. This is Conor fucking MrGregor. You don’t approach him like that — or anyone, really — without fully expecting something in return. Here’s some great footage of the exchange, including the official “warning.”
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McGregor is an amazing antagonist and he’s clearly in Nate’s head — and Nick’s — almost to a comical degree. These guys hate each other more than most, and really, they’re kind of required to loathe one another to give the fight as much juice as possible.
And you know what? Mission accomplished. Because this fight now has my full attention. What a masterful showman.
So, UFC 196 on Saturday night? Don’t mind if I do.
[H/T TMZ]