MMA Fighting reports that Nick Diaz will not fight in the UFC unless he receives a title shot and/or a substantial pay raise. This comes just a day after his brother Nate spoke out about his own pay.
First, Nick Diaz was offered a fight with Hector Lombard according to Dana White at a UFC press conference on Wednesday. Diaz told MMA Fighting that he would not consider a non-title fight “for less than $500,000.” In the alternative, he would want a chance at Johny Hendricks for the title. One would assume that a Hendricks fight would mean a big payday as well. Nick Diaz’s last reported payout was at UFC 143 where he made $200,000 in a loss to Carlos Condit. No salary was officially released for his UFC 158 fight with Georges St. Pierre although we might conclude he made a similar amount.
On Tuesday, Nate Diaz spoke out about his current salary with the UFC. He stated that he was making $60,000 and $60,000 ($60 to show up and fight and another $60K if he won). It’s interesting to note that Nate Diaz’s last fight at TUF Finale 18 on November 13, 2013 he made $15,000 (show) and $15,000(win) (for a total of just $30,000). Previously, Nate Diaz had been making $50,000 just to show. White had nothing to say Wednesday about the younger Diaz that would suggest he would give him a raise.
Payout Perspective:
The Diaz brothers at their best? Or worst? Voicing displeasure about pay in the media is not new to sports. One might think that the Gilbert Melendez contract has both Diaz Brothers wanting the same or similar deal. Based on his last appearance at UFC 158, the UFC might want Nick more than Nate based on Nick being able to sell (whether knowingly or not) a fight. As White pointed out, Nate had opportunities but some key losses (Bendo, Josh Thomson) have prevented him from making more money.
If the Diaz brothers signed contracts, its hard to argue that they deserve more money. If they were free agents, it would be standard that a fighter would want to negotiate for more money. Or, if the fighter was on a big win streak could there be some leverage. Although he won 3 in a row in 2011, he has lost 2 out of the last 3 since including a title fight against Benson Henderson. Nick Diaz has lost his last two fights since beating BJ Penn at UFC 137. Its hard to advocate for raises on losing streaks.
Should the UFC appease the Diaz brothers?
Jeremy says
Nick and Nate are the most entitled athletes I have ever seen. Each signed a deal, yet feel those contracts should be torn up and they deserve more.
Nick is the weirder as he has lost 2 in a row.
BrainSmasher says
Hell no! Nate wants money because he is jealous of people he should be happy for that have done way more than he ever has. I think he is being paid twice as much as he deserves.
People need to learn how things work. There are names the UFC wants to keep around if they can. When these guys get a couple loses. The UFC throws them a bone so they can justify keeping them. This happens when someone like Diaz gets beat by 2 good fighters. So when the UFC give Diaz the Maynard fight. They did him a big favor. We all knew Grey had not looked great and hasn’t pulled off a win in ages and had little confidence going into the fight. Gray already had a win over Nate. This fight did nothing for him and Nate got a rematch and a fighter on the skids so he can get himself back on the winning side. But rather than greatful for the match up. Nate uses it as reason he deserves a huge pay raise. The only win he has recently was a gift. He hasn’t been impressive for a while.
Also its not the UFC’s job to make him the highest paid fighter at his lunch table. WTF is wrong with this brain dead fool? Find some broke ass friends to eat with if your ego is that fucking weak! Yes Gil makes more than you. Because he didn’t get raped by Thompson and Bendo. He actually put up a fight. He has quality wins and doesn’t choke in every big fight.
Sampson Simpson says
Hilarious. The Diaz brothers are the only ones with the balls to speak up and state the obvious
BrainSmasher says
Obvious? LOL Then why wasn’t it said during contract negotiations? I guess it has nothing to do with them both being borderline retarded and both having tax issues because they refuse to ever be responsible for themselves and their actions. They are 30+ years old and act like children. Many of my friends make more money than I do. I don’t piss and moan about it. I do my thing and it don’t bother me one bit. OF course im not a weak minded bitch. I cant believe he actually said that out loud in an interview.
Jeremy says
Nate and Dana have both said Nate gets 60+60,
And as far as what Nick got against GSP, Nick made a reference ot his million dollar payday giving him more freedom than his brother.
Saldathief says
First let me say that being an intelligent educated person is not a requirment to be a fighter. These guys are street kids and nothing more. I remember Nick saying when he retired that he got paid way too much. Who cares what these guys say, but they are exciting fighters and Dana knows that and is in a bind more to come