“Yes, I have a problem with that — not with Diego,” quipped Yair Rodriguez during UFC 314 media day. However, was it just a hollow statement? Set to face former Bellator champ Patricio Pitbull, ‘El Pantera’ has chosen not to trade barbs with his debuting opponent. Instead, he’s taken aim at Diego Lopes, accusing him of falsely representing Mexico.

While all the other fighters have been quiet, Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez intensified their bad blood as even the security had to intervene to pull them away from each other. So, what ensued between these featherweight hotshots? Let us dive deep into the hubbub.

What did Yair Rodriguez say to Diego Lopes?

Ahead of the UFC 314 pre-fight press conference, Yair Rodriguez asserted that he doesn’t have any problem with Diego Lopes personally, however, he doesn’t like the fact that the Brazilian-Mexican fighter represents Mexico rather than his own country, Brazil.  Speaking to the media, ‘El Pantera’ emphasized that he has been living in the U.S. for over a decade and loves the country deeply — but at the end of the day, he is Mexican: “I love this country. I have said this in the past, but not because I’m going to say I’m American; I am not. I’m Mexican, I’m proud of it.” Taking a sly dig at Diego Lopes, who represents Mexico despite being from Brazil.

Many within the community believed that Rodriguez had problems with Diego Lopes representing Mexico, however, the reality is much different. At the UFC 314 media day, when a reporter asked Lopes whether he foresaw a potential fight with Rodriguez at UFC Noche this year, Lopes reminded Rodriguez about his losing streak, “How many losses does he have in a row?” “How many? Two? That’s not enough.” ‘El Pantera’ responded to this personal attack with a single word in Mexican, “Culon,” which is a highly offensive term in Mexico.

Diego Lopes didn’t let that slide as he stood up and asked the former title challenger to say it to his face. “Culon? Say it to my face,” replied Lopes. Then the drama set off. “Didn’t your team jump Marco? Did you and your team jump Marco, yes or no? I’ve been waiting for the right moment to say this to your face, I’m going to make you pay for that for Marco,” Rodriguez said as he screamed at Lopes.

Diego Lopes was furious as Rodríguez hurled insults at his team.” Don’t talk about my team, man,” replied Lopes. “You threatened a female, and you’re going to pay for it! My team doesn’t forget! Watch your back!” As the dust settled, both of them had to be calmed down by security, who were doing their best to avoid engaging with them. Now, you all might be confused. Who is this Marco, and why is Rodriguez so agitated about him? Let us have a closer look at this.

The moment that ignited rivalry between Yair Rodriguez and Lopes

Back in November 2019, Diego Lopes was set to fight against Yair Rodriguez’s teammate, Marco Beltran. Lopes was motivated to secure a victory against ‘Psycho,’ and guess what, Lopes didn’t even take the entire five rounds to finish Beltran.

Lopes snapped Beltran’s head back with a crisp double jab, then swarmed in with a barrage of hooks that left no room to breathe. Sensing the opening, he transitioned seamlessly into a powerful double-leg takedown. After controlling the momentum of the game for a good two minutes, Beltran tried to submit Lopes by way of a guillotine, however, he failed as Lopes easily escaped and landed ground and pound.

Beltran was suffering as Lopes transitioned to a Kneebar after the ground-and-pound. After screaming in pain, Beltran finally tapped out to concede defeat. Diego Lopes defeated Beltran fair and square, but according to Rodriguez, his teammate was jumped by Lopes and his teammates after the altercation. Who is right and who is wrong, the question remains, however, can this altercation amount to a battle? State your thoughts in the comments below.