Nate Diaz has opted to fight Mike Perry instead of returning to the UFC, which has ignited discussions about his decision. The match is part of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event set for May 16, airing on Netflix. UFC CEO Dana White indicated that the organization was negotiating a return for Diaz but believes his agreement with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions offered him a superior financial opportunity.
Matt Brown Weighs In
After the fight announcement, Diaz claimed he rejected a lucrative offer from the UFC to face Conor McGregor in a trilogy bout. He expressed disinterest in fighting McGregor after a five-year hiatus, suggesting he is no longer prepared for such a challenge. Retired welterweight Matt Brown, however, is skeptical of Diaz’s statement.
Brown stated during a conversation on “The Fighter vs. The Writer” that Diaz likely receives higher earnings from the Netflix deal than he would in the UFC. He stated, “Money talks.” He expressed belief in White’s perspective, asserting, “He got an offer he couldn’t refuse.” According to Brown, Diaz is known for understanding financial strategies in fighting, and the current deal likely provides him with a more substantial payout.
Analyzing Diaz’s Fight Choice
In defending his choice, Diaz mentioned his desire to fight the best competitors, pointing to Perry’s recent success in bare-knuckle fighting. Prior to this, Perry exited the UFC with a 1-4 record but has gained recognition in BKFC. Despite McGregor having a more recent MMA fight, Perry’s activity in bare-knuckle boxing showcases his competitive edge.
- Nate Diaz is fighting Mike Perry on May 16.
- This match is part of a card featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.
- Diaz’s UFC return was reportedly hindered by a more appealing offer from MVP.
- Brown reflects on the financial implications of Diaz’s choices in combat sports.
Doubts About UFC Offer
Brown highlights that while Diaz states he turned down a higher UFC offer, he finds it hard to believe someone would decline a larger paycheck for a tougher matchup. He suggested that Diaz may prefer to retain control over his career trajectory. The possibility that Diaz rejected a less favorable contract structure with the UFC cannot be overlooked.
Brown added that Diaz’s remarks about not wanting to face McGregor might hide deeper motives. He implied that there may be undisclosed factors influencing Diaz’s decisions. In summary, while Diaz has made his choice, the financial aspects and potential future implications remain areas of active discussion.
