Although all six of UFC 158's main card welterweights participated in today's media conference call, the bulk of the time -- and most of the attention -- was spent on challenger Nick Diaz' lengthy answers and his heated exchanges with reigning champion Georges St-Pierre. (Click for full version.)
The two started by claiming respect for one another as fighters and opponents. Diaz attempted to explain that the reason he often comes off as angry is to garner the attention that he feels he doesn't get for his skill.
"I just think that I should be given the credit that I deserve and that GSP should be given the decorated opponent that he deserves, and I'm hardly that from the fans' perspective," said Diaz about his controversial title shot. "That makes me pretty angry. I think that Georges is going to appreciate that and I think he knows I'm the right guy to be in this position."
About 25 minutes into the call, a reporter asked St-Pierre if he felt he was "pampered," as Diaz had claimed. Diaz saw fit to answer, "I hope so, m$()@#*r!" he yelled. "If I had that much money, I'd be f$*&*% pampering myself the f%(*) up!"
"Let me tell you something, uneducated fool," responded the normally mild-mannered St-Pierre, once he was finally able to get in a word. "I've not always been rich. I started from the bottom and I worked very hard to be where I am right now."
From then on, the two talked over one another, exchanging more insults, expletives (at least on Diaz' part) and attempts to explain themselves as the call progressed.
Although both came back around to say they respected one another by the end, the shots fired were heard loud and clear, making one thing abundantly clear: UFC 158 has itself a fight.
Click here to hear the entire call -- highlights start around minute 25:00.
St-Pierre, Diaz Go Off the Rails in Conference Call
Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz clashed early and often on the UFC 158 media conference call.
Sunday, May 19
11:00 AM
AEST
Jaragua, Santa Catarina
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