Amid Animosity Between Team Khabib and Diaz Army, Nate Diaz’s Teammate Makes Startling Confession About Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira Fight a UFC 294

There are certain rivalries in MMA that could never reach a definite conclusion. The rivalry between former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and title contender Nate Diaz is one of them. Even though the two men never fought inside the octagon, things were always bitter between them. And unlike most feuds, this one wasn’t just limited to mudslinging on Twitter. It all began in 2015 when Diaz and Nurmagomedov engaged in a brawl during WSOF 22.

Both fighters were there to support their teammates when somebody from Team Khabib took a group selfie with Diaz in the background. This didn’t go too well with the ‘Stockholm Slugger,’ who slapped Khabib, ensuring a tussle between the two. Seven years later, things aren’t any better, but both fighters are no longer part of the UFC. But there is someone on Team Diaz who seems to favor Team Khabib.

Nate Diaz’s teammate, Jake Shields favors Islam Makhachev over Charles Oliveira

In his recent interview with Helen Yee, Nate Diaz’s teammate and former UFC fighter, Jake Shields, has picked Islam Makhachev over Charles Oliveira for their upcoming matchup. The statement came in response to Yee’s question, inquiring about Shields’ prediction for the fight. According to the inaugural EliteXC Welterweight Champion, he favors Makhachev, considering the Dagestani’s domination over the Brazilian during their last encounter.

In Shields’ own words: “Again, that’s a tough fight. I am excited for it, but you gotta favor Islam, especially since Islam completely dominated him the first time. I didn’t expect that. I thought it would be a close, fairly even fight, but Islam dominated him. I think the rematch would be a lot better, but I have to favor Islam.” It is interesting to note that Diaz was present at the WSOF 22 event to support Shields when his brawl with Nurmagomedov broke out.

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The fighter was present on the main card of the event and fought Rousimar Palhares in a losing effort. Thus, it is quite ironic to hear him support somebody from a rival clan of his Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu alumni. Nevertheless, Shields is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in MMA, and a prediction from him definitely holds weight, especially when both Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira are known for their dominant ground game.

A rematch for Israel Adesanya makes more sense to Nate Diaz’s teammate

Earlier in the interview, Jake Shields also reflected on his thoughts on the UFC 293’s main event between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. According to Shields, he was expecting Strickland to grapple more, but he was surprised to see how ‘Tarzan’ could dominate ‘The Last Stylebender’ on the feet.

But apart from this, the BJJ black belt also considers Adesanya as the most deserving candidate in the middleweight division to fight for the title next. As a testimony to this opinion, he recalled the Kiwi’s dominant reign as a champion. But despite this, just like Oliveira vs. Makhachev, Shields favors the current champion Strickland to win any possible matchups.

Do you agree with Jake Shields’ predictions? Let us know in the comments.

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