NAC Fines Nate Diaz $50K for Water Bottle-Throwing Incident Prior to UFC 202

Nate Diaz has been fined $50,000 by the Nevada Athletic Commission for his part in a bottle-throwing incident with opponent Conor McGregor at a press conference prior to their UFC 202 bout.

That figure represents 2.5 percent of the $2.5 million purse he earned at the Aug. 20 event. The Stockton, Calif., native also must perform 50 hours of community service. That penalty is similar to the one levied against McGregor, who was ordered pay a $75,000 fine, participate in a public-service announcement worth another $75,000 and perform 50 hours of community service.

McGregor is fighting the penalty and has petitioned for a judicial review in Nevada court, naming NAC Executive Director Bob Bennett and the NAC as respondents.

The melee began at an Aug. 17 pre-fight press conference after Diaz left the dais before the media event ended. Diaz and his team began throwing water bottles on stage toward McGregor, who responded by throwing bottles and a Monster energy drink can at the group. An MGM Grand security guard was reportedly injured during the incident.

McGregor defeated Diaz via majority decision at UFC 202, avenging a second-round submission loss to the Cesar Gracie protege at UFC 196 in March. Diaz cannot compete in Nevada until his fine is paid, but he is eligible to fight elsewhere before the sanction is fulfilled.