UFC press conferences feel like they’ve fallen off as of late, but UFC 314’s presser on Thursday was all drama as Yair Rodriguez and Diego Lopes got into it on stage.
The drama began when Lopes was asked about Rodriguez’s comments about him at media day on Wednesday. Rodriguez said he had an issue with Lopes representing Mexico when he’s originally from Brazil.
Lopes has been living and training in Mexico for some time now and has taken to the culture. Mexican fans have also embraced him as one of their own.
Yair Rodriguez takes issue with Diego Lopes representing the Mexico in the cage. #UFC314
🎥: @CageSideJay pic.twitter.com/Y7i0RHNKub
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) April 10, 2025
“It’s not like I have a problem with it. It’s just like I don’t agree with (it). I started my career in the UFC 2014. It’s 2025. I have been living in the US for over 10 years. Almost 11 years. My girlfriend’s American, I speak English, and not because of that (am I) representing the American flag to gain followers from America,” Rodriguez said.
“I love this country. I have said this in the past, but not because of that I’m going to say I’m American, I am not. I’m Mexican, I’m proud of it. So whenever you ask me, yes, I have a problem with that.”
Lopes was asked what he thought about Rodriguez’s comments, and if he would like to fight him at Noche UFC in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in September.
“How many losses does he have in a row,” asked Lopes. Rodriguez is currently on a two-fight skid dropping fights against Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega. Lopes replied that the record was not good enough to get a fight with him.
That set Rodriguez off.
“Culon!,” said Rodriguez. The expression basically insinuates that Lopes is afraid to fight him.
“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,” Rodriguez said.
“I’m going to make you pay for that for Marco!”
Former UFC featherweight Marco Beltran is who Rodriguez said was allegedly jumped by Lopes and 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!”
“You’re stupid,” Rodriguez replied. “You watch your back!”
“Listen, you don’t threaten a female!,” said Lopes.
“Don’t twist words! And 10 of you jumped one man! That’s not right,” said Rodriguez.
The second half of the exchange came as someone in the audience asked Bryce Mitchell if he’d say a prayer with Jean Silva after their fight.
The gem of the entire clip? Alexander Volkanovski clearly enjoying the exchange between his former opponent and his current one at UFC 314.
Dialogue between Lopes and Rodriguez translated by Cageside Press.
