from www.tmz.com – Former UFC fighter War Machine admits he was carrying deadly weapons during his arrest on Tuesday … the flesh and bone kind.

David Oblas — a promoter for Machine’s next match — says the fighter told him the reason he unholstered his fists was because his buddy was outnumbered in a fight at a San Diego Bar.

Machine was eventually arrested for assault with a deadly weapon — but according to Oblas, it’s because Machine is a professional fighter and his fists are considered deadly weapons.

Makes sense … because the San Diego Police Department tells TMZ Machine allegedly got the best of three guys during the rumble.