Nate Diaz had his revenge over Jorge Masvidal last night in Anaheim, California. The Stockton native was able to win through a majority decision at their boxing match on the main event of their ‘Last Man Standing’ card. Their bout, of course, served as the rematch for their UFC 244, the inaugural UFC BMF title bout in 2019. That bout had ended in the third round because of a doctor’s stoppage caused by a serious gash and bleeding above Diaz’s eyes.
Despite loud and repeated calls for a rematch by fans, it never materialized during their UFC stint; until last night. But despite the fight living up to the hype, former UFC star Eddie Alvarez pointed out one thing neither fighter would be happy about.
Eddie Alvarez calls out California’s high tax rates
Diaz and Masvidal’s boxing match went the full ten rounds, with both men having moments throughout the fight. Masvidal started strong, and took charge of the fight in the early rounds, with Diaz failing to land much initially. However, as the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted, with Diaz and his legendary gas tank contrasting with the tiring Masvidal. In the end, Diaz did enough and was adjudged winner on two judges’ scorecards, with one judge ruling it a draw.
For their main event bout, Masvidal got a reported $300k in base pay while Diaz took home $500k. Surprisingly, former UFC champion Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, who fought on the main card, got $350k, $50k more than the headliner Masvidal. Even more surprising was the fact that Steven Dunn fought for a mere $500.
While these figures are not inclusive of any bonuses or share of PPV revenue that the fighters may have received, there is another factor that needs to be considered, which Eddie Alvarez pointed out in a recent tweet: California’s high tax regime. “Regardless who wins California is still a dump Every fighter gets half their pay check,” Alvarez tweeted.
Regardless who wins California is still a dump Every fighter gets half their pay check
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2024
California imposes what is called the ‘Jock Tax’ on athletes who are performing in the state, with a marginal tax rate of over ten percent for six-figure purses as the stars on the ‘Last Man Standing’ card got. But Diaz, fresh off the victory, seemed unbothered by the Sunny State’s onerous tax regime in the post-fight ring interview and had his eyes set on bigger things.
Diaz still wants to become UFC champ
Diaz hinted at a rematch with Jake Paul after their boxing match last year, which Paul had won. Since Diaz was not signed with the UFC at the time, Paul offered him $10 million for a rematch in MMA. But Diaz turned it down. The rematch was to be in the Donn Davis-founded Professional Fighting League (PFL), the UFC’s biggest competitor, which Paul is signed to.
Nate Diaz said in the post-fight speech that he was still determined to get back to the UFC and become a champion there. In addition, the Stockton native was also open to becoming a boxing champion. After beating Jake Paul, Diaz promised, he would pursue top-ranked boxers in a bid to become a boxing champ.
“He’s okay It’s all good. I just wanted to get in there and figure it out. I’m going to beat Jake Paul’s f***ing a**, and I’m down to fight the highest ranked boxer I can find, I don’t know who the f*** he is. My main objective has always been to be the best fighter in the world so I’m going to go back to get a UFC title. Leon Edwards, Jake Paul, anybody else, you’re dead,” he said.
What are your thoughts on Diaz-Masvidal 2? Do you want Diaz to fight Jake Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal to Only Receive ‘Half’ of Their Boxing Paychecks as Former UFC Champ Exposes Startling Truth About Their Already Dreadful Fight Purses appeared first on EssentiallySports.
