UFC legend Nate Diaz has defended the company’s president, Dana White, against criticism that he doesn’t pay his fighters enough.
“All About SmokeDuring a podcast called “White’s Fighters” featuring former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the hosts commented that White has been “under-accused” of “underpaying his fighters.”
Diaz explained that when he started in mixed martial arts, he had no concept of money, living month to month, fight to fight. In 2007, when he was 22 years old, Diaz won season 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter” with a “six-figure contract,” but by that time he considered himself rich.
“I said I’m gonna buy that house, I’m gonna buy that car,” Fighter laughed.
“Diaz has been with UFC since its inception and has built himself up as a person rather than a fighting ability.”
“I don’t think people have any concept of what money is or how much it is,” Diaz said. “I think Dana White gets a bad rap. I’m not giving him a good rap, but he’s paying a lot more people a lot more money than people realize. I don’t think people have a clue what it’s all about.”
“What is he like as a person?” asked host Burns.
“I think he’s cool,” Diaz replied. “I’m not on Dana White’s side. … I want more money too. Give those motherfuckers more money, give me money if I have to go back there,” he continued.
“But he’s paying more people than the boxing world. [fighters]”When it comes to combat sports, boxing pays its fighters the highest salaries…much more than UFC. But I think UFC pays a lot more people. He pays all his fighters shit. But if shit like this is going to happen, they should demand their shit and get their shit.”
Former UFC fighter and current BTC champion TJ Laramie said Diaz was able to take advantage of this unique opportunity because of his popularity since the UFC’s inception.
“Diaz has been with UFC since its inception and has always focused on character over fighting ability. Most people don’t get the same opportunities, even if they have better fighting ability.”
“Obviously, the problem with fighter pay is with outliers like Diaz,” Laramie added. “What Diaz doesn’t understand is that if he were to take the plunge and join a fighters union, he could actually get paid a lot more.”
“For example, Demetrious Johnson has had a much better career than Nate Diaz, but he’s only made about a quarter of what Diaz has made in his career,” Laramie explained.
Johnson was one of the most popular fighters in MMA and widely considered the greatest of all time, but was perceived as underpaid due to low pay-per-view ratings and fighting at 135 pounds.
Commenting on the idea of a fighters union, Diaz said: “I kept telling UFC ‘fuck you,’ but no one helped me!”
“With enough practice, you’ll understand that,” he concluded.
Throughout the interview, the mixed martial arts and boxing star credited a large part of his success to his rigorous training and focus on his discipline.
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