-
Andreas Hale, ESPN
A brawl broke out between members of Nate Diaz‘s and Jorge Masvidal‘s teams during a news conference for their July 6 boxing match after Diaz abruptly left before faceoffs.
The news conference took place in Anaheim, California, to promote the new date and location for the upcoming Diaz-Masvidal fight. The boxing match was originally scheduled for June 1 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood but was relocated to the Honda Center in Anaheim on July 6.
Tensions were already high between the two fighters, who last met in the UFC for the inaugural BMF championship in 2019. The highly anticipated encounter ended on a sour note when a doctor stopped the fight because of a cut over Diaz’s eye. Masvidal was awarded the victory and was the first BMF champion, but the two fighters have had lingering issues since then that they looked to settle inside of a boxing ring. But Diaz appeared completely uninterested in participating in Thursday’s news conference.
“I’m done with this whole press conference s—,” a visibly annoyed Diaz said. “I’m glad we’re here promoting these great fights that are happening, but, besides that, my work here is done.”
Diaz got up and began making his exit before organizers asked for him to return to face off with Masvidal. The Stockton, California, fighter returned to the stage, flexed briefly for the cameras and left before Masvidal could meet him. The two exchanged words and both teams swarmed in.
As the situation intensified, a member of Diaz’s team threw a punch at Masvidal after the Cuban fighter slapped at him. One of Masvidal’s boxing coaches, Jorge Capetillo, responded with a punch of his own and a brawl ensued between members of both teams. Masvidal emerged after security restored order and didn’t appear to have suffered any injuries during the fight. Diaz didn’t seem to have participated in the brawl and wasn’t seen in any of the videos that have surfaced on social media.