I was at the event and just before the Bendo/Diaz fight, I joked to my friend that perhaps the UFC was holding a $10,000 bonus for Nate backstage if he was able to get through the fight without flipping Bendo off on national TV. I actually didn't catch either time he did it live and wasn't until I got home and watched the fight on tv that I knew about it.
It doesn't bother me and I kinda think it adds to the Diaz charm. But pretending that it didn't happen and cutting away from the fight is a little ridiculous, I think. If the UFC/Fox truly want to discourage this behavior a fine is a better way to handle it. Empower refs to start handing out verbal warnings, second offense can result in a point reduction. Something like that.
I fucking loved it when Diaz through his hands out doing his "What?" taunt only to be dropped with a Bendo punch. Probably my favorite moment on the night!
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