In the recent UFC antitrust lawsuit, former UFC fighter Nate Diaz earnings have come to light, and the numbers might raise a few eyebrows. While Diaz has always been known for his passionate fan base and tough-as-nails persona, his disclosed payouts from the promotion appear to be less substantial than anticipated, particularly when compared to the blockbuster success of his two encounters with Conor McGregor.
Court documents obtained by Bloody Elbow provide a glimpse into Diaz’s previously undisclosed UFC earnings, highlighting some unexpectedly modest figures for the Stockton-born fighter.
Diaz’s financial breakthrough came with his call-out of Conor McGregor, leading to their first clash at UFC 196 in March 2016. Despite his formidable payday reputation, Diaz earned a considerable $2,838,158 for this bout, where he shocked the world by submitting the Irishman in the second round.
Court Documents Reveal Shocking Discrepancies in Nate Diaz Paydays
The rematch at UFC 202 in August of the same year, a closely contested five-round thriller, saw Diaz’s earnings soar to an impressive $4,315,490, marking his highest payday with the organization.
While speculation about a third Diaz-McGregor bout has circulated for years, Diaz’s departure from the UFC in 2022 to venture into professional boxing, facing Jake Paul for his debut, has cast doubt on the trilogy’s likelihood. McGregor, dealing with a leg injury, is yet to make his Octagon return.
Comparing Diaz’s earnings from the McGregor fights to his other UFC matchups reveals a stark contrast. For instance, in his bout against Rafael dos Anjos, Diaz received $56,000, with a disclosed purse of only $16,000. In the Gray Maynard fight, he earned $125,000 or $180,000 with a disclosed purse of $80,000 (15K/15K+50K bonus).
Diaz’s shift to boxing, particularly his bout against YouTube sensation Jake Paul, seems to have been a strategic career move. Reportedly securing a guaranteed $500,000 and a 50-50 split for PPV earnings, Diaz’s foray into boxing may have surpassed the paydays he experienced in the UFC.
As more UFC fighters explore opportunities in the world of boxing, following in the footsteps of McGregor and Francis Ngannou, it’s becoming evident that the allure of diverse financial opportunities is reshaping career trajectories in combat sports.
