{"id":11946,"date":"2025-01-10T20:41:48","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T19:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=11946"},"modified":"2025-01-10T20:41:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T19:41:59","slug":"ufc-lightweight-champ-islam-makhachev-opens-up-on-the-nate-diaz-altercation-backstage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/ufc-lightweight-champ-islam-makhachev-opens-up-on-the-nate-diaz-altercation-backstage\/","title":{"rendered":"UFC Lightweight Champ Islam Makhachev Opens Up On The Nate Diaz Altercation Backstage"},"content":{"rendered":"

The MMA<\/a> sphere has always been a volatile one, full of unexpected encounters, both inside and outside the cage. Sometimes, fighters clash when fans least expect it, and other times, supposed enemies show surprising respect. The latest chapter in this involves lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and the ever-unpredictable Nate Diaz, <\/p>

Now, Islam Makhachev, while talking to Demetrious Johnson, is telling fans about two very different meetings with the Stockton native.<\/p>

Also Read: Islam Makhachev Teases Potential Fight Venue Following UFC 311, Leaving Fans Guessing What’s Next!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

What Happened After UFC 311 Press Conference?<\/h2>

After UFC 311’s press events, things got heated in classic MMA fashion. Makhachev, getting ready to defend his lightweight crown against Arman Tsarukyan, found himself in an unexpected scuffle. The incident kicked off when Nate Diaz, who was there supporting his teammate Kron Gracie, started throwing up middle fingers at Makhachev’s team. <\/p>

One of Makhachev’s crew was wearing a face mask, which might have confused Diaz into thinking it was Khabib Nurmagomedov, a supposed long-time rival of the Diaz brothers. <\/p>

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“We sit before the fight day, I have press conference then fighters have official weigh-in. We sit and Diaz start to show them [his middle finger], for what? Maybe for someone, it’s good, it’s no problem, but it’s not our style. Because one of the guys, he wears the mask, you know? Maybe he’s sick a little bit, he wear the mask and maybe Diaz is thinking, ‘oh, it’s Khabib [Nurmagomedov]’ and show him, but that day Khabib not in Vegas, he’s in some other country.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>

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Islam Makhachev says he met Nate Diaz alone in the elevator and Nate put his hands up saying “respect” 😂😂😂 https:\/\/t.co\/CJkzJsanAT<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3ea8D8OTkb<\/a><\/p>— – (@AIKYGDLT) January 7, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>