The press conference for the highly anticipated fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, scheduled for July 6, turned chaotic as the teams of both fighters clashed in a violent brawl.
The event, meant to announce the venue change from the Kia Forum in Inglewood to the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, was disrupted near its conclusion due to escalating tensions between the two camps.
The rivalry between Diaz and Masvidal has been simmering since their controversial encounter in the UFC in 2019, where the Cuban-American won after a doctor stopped the fight due to a cut over Diaz's eye.
Diaz Walks Out Before Face-Off with Masvidal
"I'm sick of this shit," declared the American fighter before attempting to leave. Organizers managed to bring him back briefly for photos, but his premature exit further inflamed the situation.
The tipping point came when a member of Diaz's team threw a punch at Masvidal after the Cuban fighter slapped him. Jorge Capetillo, Masvidal's coach, responded by throwing another punch, igniting a widespread brawl between the teams.
Despite the chaos, Team Masvidal managed to restore order without sustaining injuries, with the Cuban-American fighter notably involved in the altercation, while Diaz stayed on the sidelines and did not participate in the fight.
Footage of the brawl is circulating widely on social media, sparking an ethical debate about such behaviors among professional athletes ahead of what could be a career-defining boxing match.
Key Questions About the Diaz vs. Masvidal Brawl
Given the recent brawl between the teams of Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, several questions have arisen. Here are some key points of interest:
What caused the brawl between Team Diaz and Team Masvidal?
The brawl was triggered when a member of Diaz's team threw a punch at Masvidal after the Cuban fighter slapped him, leading to a widespread fight between the teams.
Has this rivalry between Diaz and Masvidal been long-standing?
Yes, the rivalry dates back to their controversial UFC encounter in 2019, where Masvidal won after a doctor stopped the fight due to a cut over Diaz's eye.
Did any fighters or team members get injured during the brawl?
No injuries were reported from the brawl, despite the intense altercation.
How has the public reacted to the brawl?
Public reaction has been mixed, with many questioning the ethics of such behavior among professional athletes. Footage of the incident has sparked widespread debate on social media.