American fighter Nate Diaz has shared his perspective on the conflict with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makachev’s team following a press conference held in Las Vegas in December 2024.
Diaz denies provoking the encounter with the Russian's team and claims he did not meet Makachev in the hotel elevator.
I didn’t even know Islam was there. I was just there to corner my boy [Kron Gracie] and these [Ewoks] were looking for [trouble] threw a bottle at me looking for clout. I never saw this guy in an elevator. I thought religious people didn’t lie.
Nate Diaz
Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch on January 19 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. Their first fight in April 2019 ended in a unanimous decision victory for Islam. His professional record stands at 26 wins and one loss.
Diaz last competed in an MMA fight against Tony Ferguson in September 2022 at UFC 279. In that bout, which was stopped in the fourth round, Nate won by submission. His mixed martial arts record now includes 21 wins and 13 losses.