Security guards brawl at Nate Diaz, Jake Paul weigh-in

The Nate Diaz-Jake Paul cruiserweight fight remains a few days away, but things are already getting chippy. Security guards got into a brawl following the weigh-in on Thursday, creating quite the buzz on social media.

Thursday’s press conference concluded in ugly fashion. After words were exchanged, a shoving match between the two parties appeared to ensue. Then, before the sides were eventually separated, punches were thrown.

Both boxers appeared to stay out of the scuffle. SportsCenter shared video of the incident that unfolded between the two sides:

A brawl broke out on stage between @JakePaul and @NateDiaz209 security members 👀 #PaulDiaz

(h/t @DAZNBoxing) pic.twitter.com/fU0TPjB7Z5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 3, 2023

The fight is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5.

Following the incident, Paul sent out multiple tweets calling out Diaz’s camp. It adds even more fuel to this weekend’s bout.

“Nate’s team has emailed my team trying to claim assault after his team swung first,” Paul wrote. “Apparently the guy who swung first is at the hospital getting stitches. Hilarious these fake gangsters acting like this!”

In a follow-up tweet, Paul said, “All out warfare, eye for eye. You threatened MVPs co-founder who has been a partner to you and your team every step of the way? He’s put your best friend on over and over again. Stupid. Then your team wants to swing on us…so you got served a three piece and a biscuit. Punk. It’s time for goodnight.”

Not everyone buying Jake Paul, Nate Diaz beef

While the scuffle during the press conference on Thursday appeared authentic, not everyone bought it. Some argue that it was a staged incident in an attempt to draw more interest for Saturday’s fight.

That’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

“Scripted for views, but I respect it,” one Twitter user wrote. “Trying to sell more tickets/PPVs. Sigh,” another added. A third doesn’t believe it will matter, chiming in, “Nobody will be watching.”

Paul enters this weekend’s fight with a 6-1 record in seven bouts in the ring. He’s won four of those via knockout. His lone loss in the squared circle came to Tommy Fury in February.

Diaz, a UFC legend, has participated in 35 career fights. He owns a 22-13 record. This will serve as Diaz’s boxing debut.

This weekend’s fight is scheduled to take place at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The event is available on ESPN+ PPV and will begin at 8 p.m. ET.

Does the security scuffle add entertainment value to this fight? Or was it just a scheme in an effort to gain more eyeballs?