Dana White and Nate Diaz recalled an episode in the past in which they nearly fought.
Tuesday, the UFC president verified the news to Insider and other reporters.
However, White felt embarrassed by the narrative and admitted that they had been drinking.
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LAS VEGAS — When a reporter confronted UFC president Dana White about an alleged altercation he previously had with MMA legend Nate Diaz, he appeared embarrassed.
The veteran fighter returns to the Octagon at the pay-per-view event UFC 279 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, competing in the main event against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev.
After the fight, Diaz’s contract with the UFC will expire, thus it’s possible that this will be his final match.
In contrast, Diaz joked to ESPN just days before the event that he “nearly beat up Dana White in a club.”
Diaz stated to ESPN, “You should have witnessed it.” He was speaking garbage. You ought to question him. I was arguing with him while he was speaking nonsense.
Nate Diaz celebrates his 2016 victory over Conor McGregor.
Image via Getty Images
Diaz stated that he “shouldn’t have been angry with him” but couldn’t contain himself when they ran into each other at an afterparty.
White had been drinking, according to the 37-year-old, who asked, “What’s up, motherfucker?”
Diaz said: “I was like, ‘What’s up?’ And he’s explaining, ‘What do you want?’ What the hell did you think I wanted? More money and better battles than everyone else here’”
Fortunately, there was no physical altercation. Later in the same interview, Diaz stated that he is “on Dana White’s side.”
Regardless, White discussed the alleged altercation with Insider and other reporters during a media scrum during the filming of the most recent edition of the Contender Series at the Apex in Las Vegas.
White verified that we had been drinking.
Dana White discusses an intoxicated altercation with Nate Diaz.
The MacLife / YouTube image
“Allegedly,” White said with a smirk. “Allegedly. “We were drinking,” he continued, before asking if “anyone else” had “any other questions.”
White said of Diaz’s legacy, should he never fight for the UFC again after Saturday’s showdown with Chimaev, “He’s fought amazing battles for us.
He has been an integral part of this organization for a very long time. What else could I possibly ask of Nate Diaz? If Nate is prepared to make this his final bout, I wish him the best of luck. It has been enjoyable. “Working with Nate and his brother Nick Diaz has been a great pleasure,” White said.
White stated that the Diaz brothers are “legends” in MMA and the UFC.
Nate Diaz and Nick Diaz.
Image via Getty Images
In retrospect, though, the Diaz Brothers have been an amazing delight, according to White.
“They are legendary figures in this sport. They are legendary in this organization. These days are filled with men. If that is what Nate desires, then we wish him well.”
On Saturday at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, ESPN, ESPN+, and UFC Fight Pass will broadcast Diaz vs. Chimaev.