Jake Paul fires employee who asked Nate Diaz a disrespectful question during press conference

UFC icon Nate Diaz just got up and walked off stage as Jake Paul spoke to the press ahead of their blockbuster boxing bout on August 5 in Texas.

Diaz, 38, will be making his professional boxing debut against the former YouTuber - who suffered the first defeat of his career against Tommy Fury back in February.

In a bizarre press conference at American Airlines Arena, an agitated Diaz stood up at one point and walked off the stage without explanation, leaving Paul bewildered.

'Is this man leaving?' asked Paul incredulously.

Press conference moderator Ariel Helwani informed Paul that Diaz was taking a bathroom break.

'Jesus Christ!' said Paul. 'I've never seen anything like it.'

The other headline-making moment of the afternoon came when a member of the media, and aspiring boxer, threatened to beat up Diaz's brother Nick.

'Nate, I'm actually a boxer myself and I have been trying to get on this undercard,' said the reporter.

'I'm just wondering if you think I could fight your brother, Nick? If he's anything like you I think I'd beat his f***ing a**.'

Diaz, who is not one to back down from a street fight, glared at the reporter.

'You know my homeboys see you right now,' he told the reporter.

'That was stupid, huh? That was stupid. What's your name?'

The reporter replied that he was 'Derrick from Betr Media'.

Diaz pulled no punches with his reply.

'Hey, Derrick from Betr Media, you're a stupid a** motherf*****,' he said.

'The f***? You deserve to have your a** whipped.'

Jake Paul cut in to say he was going to 'fire' the reporter.

'He works for my company. I'll handle that later. I'm sorry about that Nate,' Paul told the press conference.

'I'll fire him later. Derrick, shut up. Derrick, shut up.'

It turns out Betr Media is Jake Paul's betting company, and Paul wasn't happy with the reporter's remarks.

Both fighters predicted victory, with Paul saying he'll win in four rounds and Diaz saying he'll win in 10.

'Well it's an eight-round fight,' Paul was quick to point out.

Paul has already beaten veterans Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley twice and Ben Askren inside the ring, with Diaz being the fourth MMA fighter he has taken on.