Rafael dos Anjos has slammed Conor McGregor for his behaviour during the pre-fight press conference for UFC 196.
The presser came to a close with a bang during the obligatory stare down on Thursday night. A full-on brawl was almost sparked on stage after McGregor slapped his opponent Nate Diaz’s fist away as the two warriors engaged in the pre-fight ritual.
#UFC196: Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz Pre-Fight Press Conference Staredown https://t.co/Lr6ZKfEISE
— UFC Ireland 🇮🇪 (@UFC_Ireland) March 3, 2016
There were some concerns for Diaz after the incident as he was seen nursing his hand, but MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported that the Stockton native is fine.
Diaz didn't injure his hand in the kerfuffle. He's fine, according to his team.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 4, 2016
However, the man McGregor was initially set to face at the event reckons that the Dubliner should be punished for his “classless” actions during the stare down. UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos tweeted his disapproval of McGregor’s slap after the press conference had finished and even suggested that the Notorious should be fined for intentionally trying to injure him.
Mcgregor should be fined because of his classless attitude,he had bad intentions to hurt him opponent's hand
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) March 4, 2016
McGregor didn’t do much to help his case in an interview on Fox Sports’ Jay and Dan show in which he appeared to be bragging about hurting Diaz.
“His wrist will never be the same – like his bum knee, like his bum right leg.”