McGregor promises quick knockout over Diaz

McGregor and Diaz came face to face for the first time before UFC 196. Photo: Reproduction

Conor McGregor e Nate diaz They have already started to “warm up the engines” for the main fight of UFC 196, an event that will take place on March 5th. The attraction's protagonists came face to face for the first time this Wednesday (24), in a press conference held at the official UFC gym, in the city of Torrance, California (USA).

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As two fighters are known for not mincing words, the press conference generated great interest from the public present, who showed broad support for McGregor. At several moments, the athletes came to blows, which, however, did not require the intervention of the three security guards who were on standby in case of any emergency.

Discussions between the two began in the first moments of the press conference. Diaz stated that he “accepted the fight without hesitation, as he had wanted to face McGregor for a long time.” The Irishman intervened: “That’s not true. He didn't accept fighting at 70 kg, he didn't accept fighting at 72 kg, nor at 75 kg. I, however, don’t care about weight, so I’m going to create my own belt.” Diaz, however, didn't let it go: “I didn't accept it because I wouldn't be able to lose that weight. Fuck you, I don't care about you. F*** your belt too.”

Another controversial point was when Diaz accused all UFC fighters, which obviously includes McGregor, of using anabolic substances that are prohibited. The American's allegation came when the featherweight champion stated that he doesn't give much importance to weight classes. “You don’t care because you’re loaded with steroids. Everyone in the UFC uses steroids.”

McGregor's response was immediate. “What are you talking about, Nate? Don't mention my name in the same sentence as steroids. I work like a convict and never appear in bad shape, unlike you. Nobody ever caught me in exams, unlike what happened with his two training partners [Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields]. I’m an animal”, countered the Irishman.

Towards the end, McGregor showed a brief moment of respect for Diaz, but promised to win the fight in the first round. “He will appear slow, unprepared. I'll dispatch him in the first round. Don't get me wrong, I respect Nate. There are a lot of cowards in this sport, and Nate is certainly not one of them. But he will fall in the first round”, he predicted.

After the end of the press conference, the two athletes had a tense look. Check out the video:

YES YES YES YES YES
OMG. #UFC196 Saturday 3.5.16 on PPV! @TheNotoriousMMA vs @ NateDiaz209 https://t.co/Vlk753F8dJ

— #UFCLondon (@ufc) February 24rd, 2016