Nate Diaz gets reduced penalty for UFC 202 bottle-throwing incident

Back in March of 2016, Nate Diaz shocked the world by tapping out the seemingly unbeatable Conor McGregor. Several months later, in the main event of August’s UFC 202, McGregor and Diaz went at it again.

Unsurprisingly, the buildup to this anticipated rematch was highlighted by plenty of memorable trash talk and confrontations. The crescendo of the pair’s pre-fight beef was there infamous press conference bottle fight, during which they pelted one another with water bottles, energy drink cans, coffee cups, and various other drinking vessels turned projectiles.

While this wild encounter – childish as it may have been – boosted interest in the UFC 202 pay-per-view, it did not go over well with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who were overseeing the fight. In the months following this infamous bottle-battle, both McGregor and Diaz were handed severe punishments by the commission.

McGregor was handed a fine of $75,000 and 50 hours of community service, while Diaz was dealt a $50,000 fine and 50 hours of community service.

Since then, however, both men have had their sentences reduced (h/t MMAFighting).

First, after a lengthy appeal process, McGregor’s fine was dropped from $75,000 to $25,000 while his required hours of community service fell to 25. Now, Diaz has received similar leniency. His punishment was dropped to a $15,000 fine and 15 hours of community service during a commission meeting on Wednesday morning.

Diaz has not been seen in the cage since his second battle with McGregor, which he lost by majority decision. That said, he is one of the most sought after opponents in the UFC lightweight division, as has recently been called out by top-ranked foe Tony Ferguson.

McGregor, meanwhile, followed his successful rematch with Diaz with a second-round knockout of Eddie Alvarez, which earned him the UFC lightweight title. At the moment, he is transfixed on the possibility of a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, though he recently admitted he’s also excited for a third fight with Diaz.

Do you think Nate Diaz’s new punishment is more fair? Sound off, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/12/2017.