Nate Diaz and Mike Perry didn’t need a screaming match to sell their fight at Thursday’s MVP MMA press conference in Los Angeles.
While chaos erupted elsewhere on stage, Diaz and Perry mostly stayed relaxed, confident, and occasionally hilarious as they previewed one of the most anticipated fights on MVP MMA’s historic Netflix debut card this Saturday night.
The matchup has already been labeled the “people’s main event” by many fans, and both fighters made it clear they expect a violent war once the cage door closes.
See our predictions for MVP MMA on NetFlix Rousey vs Carano here.
Mike Perry promises a “car crash”
Perry arrived at the press conference fully embracing the hype around the fight and repeatedly spoke about wanting an all-action battle with Diaz.
“I’m very confident in all the work I’ve done and my fighting abilities,” Perry said early in the press conference. “He looks like he’s in great shape from photos and videos I’ve seen. So, I’m ready to have a freaking battle for five rounds or five seconds. It don’t matter.”
Later in the event, Perry expanded on what fans should expect when the two finally meet inside the cage.
“I’m coming out punching,” Perry said. “We gonna be scrapping in the middle.”
The former BKFC star also admitted the matchup carries enormous pressure because of how much fans wanted to see it happen.
“When they were announcing it yesterday, it was cool to hear it as the people’s main event,” Perry explained. “I put a ton of work in. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Perry repeatedly described the fight as a potential “car crash” between two veterans known for violence and durability.
Watch the full press conference here
Nate Diaz stays calm while chaos unfolds
Diaz, meanwhile, spent most of the press conference sitting back and reacting to the madness.When asked about spending time with Perry during fight week, Diaz quickly dismissed the idea.
“I ain’t spend no time with him,” Diaz said before casually adding, “He look good, man.”
At another point, moderator Ariel Helwani asked Diaz what he thought about the chaos unfolding between other fighters on stage.
“Amazing,” Diaz replied with a laugh.
Diaz also delivered one of the funniest moments of the press conference after Perry described their fight as a potential “car crash.”
“Drive safely,” Diaz responded.
Diaz also made it clear he plans to get a finish if the opportunity presents itself.
“I’m just trying to not [mess] up and get the job done as quick as possible,” Diaz said.
Namo tries to insert himself into the feud
The Perry-Diaz segment became even more chaotic when Namo Fazil interrupted the discussion and claimed Perry had previously turned down a fight against him.
“You were supposed to fight me,” Namo shouted toward Perry. “You didn’t want to fight me, pretty boy.”
Perry immediately denied avoiding the matchup.
“And I said yes,” Perry responded. “That’s not the fight that went through.”
Namo continued taunting Perry and later publicly backed Diaz to win the fight.
“I got Nate’s back, my brother,” Namo said. “Knock him out, brother. Choke him out.”
Diaz laughed off most of the exchange while Perry fired back verbally at Namo several times throughout the segment.