Jose Aldo may have hinted/lied/suggested that he won't even watch any of UFC 196, but the rest of the MMA world is tuning in for the ride.
The press conference was everything we expected it to be with the added benefit of quite a bit of controversy when McGregor decided to kick things off early by punching Diaz's fist. And if anyone, is still suggesting it was a slap, it definitely wasn't.
Injured lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos - McGregor's original opponent - is following every step of the way. The Brazilian wasn't pleased with McGregor's antics at the last press conference before the fight, and was one fighter who took the opportunity to further undermine McGregor's actions.
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
Eddie Alvarez, another lightweight contender who beat former champion Anthony Pettis in January, was even more vocal in his opposition to the 'pussy shit' slap from McGregor.
Conor should be fined for sneaking an opponent before the actual fight . Not a Nate fan but 20% is owed , Pussy shit @ufc @eafight #Payup
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
Alvarez thinks it was a cheap shot from the Dubliner, and thinks that he should be fined echoing the fined handed down to Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier for their brawl at the MGM in August 2014.
Im all for a good stare down , even pushing but A punch anywhere before the Ref warns both fighters is Wrong on every level #pussyshit #ufc
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) March 4, 2016
Another fighter - Jake Shields who's currently in the World Series of Fighting, and is also a friend of Diaz, was at the press conference and called McGregor out for a street fight:
So here's @jakeshieldsajj on the @NateDiaz209 v @TheNotoriousMMA melee on stage: 'I'd fight that guy in the street' pic.twitter.com/5OYrMxzxjO
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) March 3, 2016
The aftermath of the incident has certainly divided an already impartial MMA fanbase. McGregor's fans will undoubtedly view it as the featherweight champ 'selling the fight' and 'giving Diaz what he deserves' but it's fair to say that not everyone sees it that way.
@arielhelwani disappointed in your coverage of the "kerfuffle". It was a punch not a slap. I no u luv Conor but please try to be impartial.
— B (@wildbill005) March 4, 2016
@arielhelwani plz tell me @TheNotoriousMMA is getting fined 4 hitting @NateDiaz209 . Not professional, conor loves 2 talk but can't take it
— jorge V (@JorgeNAF209) March 4, 2016
It's hard to deny though - any time the Dubliner is involved, people are talking.
