Question whether Connor planned to punch Nate's hand

[darrenm]

I'm wondering now if Connor pre-planned to hit Nate's hand during the stare-down after the UFC 196 Pre-fight press conference.

First I'll stick to the facts, and paraphrase what was said, but you can listen for yourself with the link below.

Thursday before the fight on Saturday:

• Connor starts by saying he is the entire show, and he is the business of the UFC... he breaks all their records.
• Dana admits that Connor calls the shots as far as what fight he gets. If he beats Nate, and asks for Lawlor, then that is what will happen.
• Connor said that he put Nate into this position of fighting him, and getting a larger than normal payday, and he can take him right back out.
• Connor said he is used to people backing out of fights with him.
• He said people pull out of the fights with small bruises or other minor ailments, but don't think about the fans. The fans spend their hard earned money to travel to the show to watch the fight.
• He wouldn't pull out of a fight if he was hurt and disappoint the fans. Anyone, anywhere, anytime.
• Connor is used to having a reach advantage, especially at FW.
• Nate has a slight reach advantage over Connor. He could use his long right jab to keep opponents at a distance if necessary.
• During the stare-down Nate got into a stance and stretched his right arm out.
• Connor slowly moved towards Nate's fist,eventually touching his face on his hand, then backed up a step.
• Connor punched Nate's right fist by his wrist and then takes a step back.
• Nate is seen on camera rubbing his hand after the altercation.

Friday:

• The NSAC decides no one will be fined or suspended for the altercation.
• Nate's camp states publicly that his hand was not injured by the punch.
• The main event of UFC 196 will go on, and Nate will stand to make the largest purse of his career.

Then a few questions:

• Was Connor purposely trying to injure Nate to hurt his offence, knowing he wouldn't pull out of the fight with such a big payday on the line?
• Did Connor break Nate's wrist, as he later said on Fox Sports?
• Was Connor's talk about never disappointing his fans and never pulling out of fights like his opponents do meant to dissuade Nate from doing exactly that?
• Was Connor not afraid of being disciplined by the UFC or the NSAC because of the money he generates for them?

UFC 196 Pre-fight press conference can be viewed here:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Vi...z-at-UFC-196-PreFight-Press-Conference-101193

And the link to Connor's Fox Sports statement:

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/4...-diaz-hand-broken-conor-mcgregor-alvarez-fine

 

[Croo67]

He did it in rage. It was not planned.

 

[Haj01]

Who's Connor?

 

[mmafighterEU]

My only question for you. Is this you're high school or college project?

 

[Kelladoor]

TLDR but no it wasn't planned -- it was reactionary to Diaz playing by putting his fist directly in front of his face.

 

[Arne Rud]

dont think so, i think he got angry by Diaz talking