Ronda Rousey was the big story in the UFC last night with her 34 second victory at UFC 190. However, the second biggest story in MMA on Saturday night may be a scuffle caught on video between the Diaz brothers and Khabib Nurmogomedov at a WSOF event in Vegas.
The raw footage (via MMA Interviews) shows Nick Diaz throwing a beer at Khabib and the group that he was with while security made an attempt to break up the fight. Although security was able to break up the groups before anything big occurred, a small scuffle broke out before the Diaz brothers left the premises.
UPDATED: More of the entourage brawl as the two sides fight inside Planet Hollywood. Not a good look if you are the UFC.
Dana White was asked about the incident at the post-UFC 190 conference but could not comment about it since he did not have all the information surrounding the incident. Obviously, the UFC will need to investigate the incident and gather facts about what went down. The question is whether or not the UFC will suspend any of the contracted fighters involved.
The UFC Fighter Conduct Policy which the fighters (likely) agree to when signing their deals would govern a situation like this.
From the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy:
Fighters shall conduct themselves in accordance with commonly accepted standards of decency, social conventions and morals, and fighters will not commit any act or become involved in any situation or occurrence or make any statement which will reflect negatively upon or bring disrepute, contempt, scandal, ridicule, or disdain to the fighter or the UFC.
This contractual provision reflects the UFC’s broad requirement that its contracted fighters act in a legal, ethical, and responsible manner and avoid conduct detrimental to the integrity of the UFC organization.
Standard of conduct:
“…Responsible conduct advances the interests of the sport and the fighters. Conversely, irresponsible conduct by a fighter tarnishes the reputation of both the affected fighter and the UFC and undermines the positive image set by other fighters.”
The policy goes on to list instances which fighters may be disciplined. While the fight may not necessarily fit into one of the examples, it’s clear brawling at a public event (especially at another promotion’s event) can be construed as a violation.
World Series of Fighting has banned the Diaz brothers from all WSOF events following Saturday night according to MMA Fighting.
Payout Perspective:
The key language of the policy is that a violation of the fighter conduct policy “may” result in discipline. The UFC could conclude, after an investigation, that the scuffle was inconclusive as to which group started it (sure the video shows the Diaz beer throw but what might have happened before) and may not assess a suspension. But should the UFC suspend the fighters since its clear this is bad for the image of the UFC? Clearly, this incident can be construed as a violation of the standard of conduct policy.
Nick Diaz is likely suspended due to failing his drug test this past February so the UFC might actually tack on another suspension in addition to whatever might happen to Nick with the NSAC. As for Nate Diaz and Khabib, we shall see what the UFC does.
The Diaz brothers need to go away, they’re both brain dead and troublemakers.
bahahahha never a dull moment with them Bellator???
Ufc fighters watching wsof than ufc 190 hahahahaha
Are ufc fighters acting up so they get fired,move to bellator and get sponsorships?dw out of the goodness of his heart is giving big nog a job at zuffa hahahahaha….paranoid of viacom
Amen, JF. When they were relevant, they were obnoxious but mildly entertaining. Now they’re just obnoxious. Ironically, Beavis & Butthead could both probably be wearing belts if they could muster up a modicum of class, self-restraint, and professionalism. As it’s said, you can take the rat out of the hood…
I wonder if Dana White has considered the glaring hypocrisy in the UFC’s Fighter Conduct Policy? White makes the UFC as an organization look a little bit (or a lot) worse every time he opens his mouth.
If it turns out as claimed that Diaz bros and entourage provoked and started physical altercations then how about the NSAC step up revoke their licenses? (as if Nick needed any more reason for the NSAC to go after him but he really is his own worst enemy)
Also, I know that tops E seems to want to use every post as an opportunity to criticize everything UFC and MMA but don’t you think that Diaz and Khabib should’ve been there to support their teammate (Shields) and brother (Abubaker)?
The Diaz bros are cool and I don’t care who started the scuffle.
They made the sport famous and they gave us great fights. The problem is that today the sport is a business, and when money is involved, evil is involved too. Now that the Diaz bros are constantly complaining and don’t attract as much money as they used to, they’re treated as outcasts. Only marketable fighters receive decent treatment these days. The sport is slowly becoming a freakshow. Sad.
UFC 190 prelims drew 1.3 mill. WSOF drew a sad 250k. Come again Tops E?
Right, 1.3 mil ..because we can always trust the numbers coming from a company that is facing charges of unfair treatment of fighters.
Both should be suspended. They both acted like IDIOTS. Now to the sheathed on here who said NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT BELLATOR, FUCKHEAD THESE GUYS ARE UFC GUYS DILDO, NOT BELATOR GUYS. tHEY HAVE MORE CLASS THAN TO COME TO A UFC EVEN AND SART A FIGHT.