NATE DIAZ slapped a member of Jake Paul’s team moments before the Youtuber’s clash with Anderson Silva.
The former UFC star was in attendance at the Gila River Arena in Pheonix, Arizona to support teammate Chris Avila, who locked horns with internet star Dr Mike on the undercard.
A melee between Diaz’s team and members of Paul’s entourage kicked off shortly before the YouTube star’s decision victory over Silva.
And footage captured backstage showed Paul t-shirt.
Diaz lurched forward and struck the bald man with an open hand after a heated back-and-forth between his troops and Paul’s squad.
Fight fans were quick to comment on the Stockton slap, with one saying: “Nate Diaz is always slapping people.”;
Another said: “God I love Nathan so much.”;
And another said: “Nate Diaz just slapped the crap outta that tattoo-covered skinhead Jake Paul hangs with – instantly turned b***h.”;
One remarked: “One thing about Nate Diaz. He gon slap a MF.”;
It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Diaz’s backstage antics, with the former Disney star saying: “Nate Diaz was here acting like a b***h.
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“Everyone wants that fight. He tried to fight people in the hallway. Nate, stop fighting people for free.
“Let’s do it in the ring, okay? I know you’re a little slow, buddy. But we can make that fight happen.”;
Paul, 25, isn’t a fan of Diaz’s persona, which has earned him a legion of fans across the globe.
He said: “It’s typical of him. That’s what he likes to do. He’s a street gangster.
“He likes to act tough and he’s really not. Why are you trying to beat someone up in the hallway?”;
Paul defeated MMA great Anderson Silva via unanimous decision to stretch his record to a perfect 6-0.
He said: “It’s a surreal moment. Hard work pays off.
“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Anderson. He was my idol growing up. He inspired me to be great.
“He was the first celebrity I ever met. Without him, we wouldn’t have had a fight this year. He’s a tough mofo. A legend.
“I have nothing but respect for him. This just goes to show that anyone watching at home, chase your dreams. It’s never too late.
“I started boxing two-and-a-half years ago as a pro and just beat one of the greatest ever because I’m obsessed with this.
“I go so hard every single day. Nothing can get in my way. No distractions.”;
