UFC's Conor McGregor in heated confrontation with Nate Diaz
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 04/03/16 1:40pm
Conor McGregor put his hands on Nate Diaz to spark a fierce scuffle at their pre-fight press conference.
After they had traded verbal blows, tensions threatened to spill over as McGregor and Diaz's entourages got involved prompting security to prevent a brawl.
As they took part in a traditional stare-down, McGregor stood with his hands by his sides but Diaz posed with his fists in the air. McGregor batted away Diaz's arm and chaos ensued, with the stage quickly filling with angry members of each fighters' teams, including Nick Diaz.
His entries and his exits, his retreats and his feints, his patterns are all identical. He can't break out of a set routine so he is very predictable.
Conor McGregor
McGregor had earlier threatened: "I'm a lion in there and I'll eat you alive. Your gazelle friends are going to be staring into the cage at your carcass.
"I'm certainly going to toy with the young boy. His entries and his exits, his retreats and his feints, his patterns are all identical. He can't break out of a set routine so he is very predictable. He has a soft, flappy body.
"As the fight comes closer he is a scared, little boy trying to pass the spotlight. That's what a man does when he's scared, he shies away."
Featherweight champion McGregor was due to step up to 155lbs to challenge for a second belt against Rafael dos Anjos until the Brazilian's late withdrawal.
His fight against last-gasp call-up Diaz will now take place at welterweight, a full 25lbs above the weight division that McGregor rules.
"There are a lot of people that play it safe in the game," he said. "They don't take risks, and people who don't take risks don't climb to the next level."
UFC president Dana White conceded it would be "tough to deny" McGregor an immediate shot at Robbie Lawler's welterweight title if he defeats Diaz.
