Things got out of hand fast on the set of a new Russian MMA reality show featuring UFC legends Nate Diaz and Jon Jones. The show, which was being filmed in Thailand and modeled after The Ultimate Fighter, was supposed to pit fighters against each other in the ring — but instead, chaos erupted off the mat.
According to reports and video footage posted by Diaz’s longtime teammate Jake Shields, the drama began when an unnamed fighter approached Jon Jones with respect, only to get into a heated exchange with Diaz moments later. The situation escalated quickly — Diaz allegedly slapped the fighter after he tried to grab him, and then someone from Diaz’s team threw a punch.
That should have been the end of it. But instead, the fighter reportedly kept re-entering the house, and the entire scene spiraled into a full-on melee. Shields said he tackled the fighter to the ground to prevent more chaos — but then, unexpectedly, he says crew members, not fighters, jumped in and attacked him from the side.
Diaz’s Team Walks Off Set, Refuses to Return
With the situation now completely out of control, Shields and Diaz’s team decided enough was enough. They packed up and left the set, refusing to return despite the production team’s attempts to smooth things over.
“Why are we going to go back and film a show?” Shields asked. “It’s one thing to fight the fighters — we expected that. But when the crew starts throwing punches? Nah, we’re out.”
The incident has sparked a lot of conversation online, especially considering Diaz’s long history of unscripted scuffles. From the infamous 2010 Strikeforce: Nashville brawl to more recent backstage incidents — like the one during the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva event — the 40-year-old fighter has always been a magnet for conflict.
It’s still unclear what this means for the future of the show or Diaz’s involvement, but one thing’s for sure: wherever Nate Diaz goes, the action often follows.
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