Nate Diaz Advises Unsatisfied UFC Fighters to Speak Up for Higher Pay

The former UFC star says a little more 'f--- you' will get fighters paid more.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes and neon colors that evoke the intensity of an MMA fight, conceptually representing the challenges fighters face in negotiating higher pay from the UFC.Nate Diaz's defiant attitude towards the UFC has earned him higher pay, setting an example for other fighters seeking better compensation.Inglewood Today

Nate Diaz, a former UFC fighter known for his outspoken personality, has some advice for current UFC fighters who are unsatisfied with their pay: be more vocal and confrontational. Diaz, who is set to fight Mike Perry in a high-profile bout on Netflix, says he was able to secure pay raises from the UFC by taking a defiant stance and telling the promotion 'f--- you' rather than just doing what he was told.

Why it matters

Fighter compensation has been a major issue in the UFC, with stars like Ronda Rousey and Francis Ngannou publicly criticizing the promotion's pay structure. Diaz's comments provide insight into how some fighters have been able to leverage their star power to demand higher salaries, even if it means taking a more confrontational approach with the UFC's leadership.

The details

Diaz, who had a 15-year career in the UFC, says he was able to secure multiple pay raises by adopting a more defiant attitude towards the promotion's management. He credits this approach for helping him earn a reported $10 million payday for his upcoming fight against Mike Perry on Netflix, which will be part of the streaming platform's first-ever MMA event. Diaz opted to take the Netflix fight over a potential rematch against Conor McGregor, suggesting he was able to negotiate better financial terms with the streaming service.

  • Diaz is set to fight Mike Perry on May 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
  • Diaz last fought in the UFC in 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson to fight out his contract with the promotion.

The players

Nate Diaz

A former UFC fighter known for his outspoken personality and willingness to confront the promotion's leadership. Diaz had a 15-year career in the UFC and became a fan favorite, but also clashed with the promotion over pay issues.

Mike Perry

Diaz's upcoming opponent in a welterweight fight set to take place on Netflix's first-ever MMA event.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion who has been critical of the promotion's pay structure and treatment of fighters.

Francis Ngannou

A current UFC heavyweight champion who has also voiced concerns about fighter pay and the promotion's contract policies.

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What they’re saying

“A little more 'f--- yous' will get you paid. You know how many raises I got for saying 'f--- you?' More than doing what I was told.”

— Nate Diaz, Former UFC Fighter

“Diaz is a leader in that regard.”

— Ronda Rousey

What’s next

Diaz and Perry are set to fight in a five-round welterweight bout on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California as part of Netflix's first-ever MMA event.

The takeaway

Nate Diaz's comments highlight the challenges many UFC fighters face in negotiating higher pay, and suggest that a more confrontational approach may be necessary to force the promotion to increase compensation. His willingness to leave the UFC for a more lucrative opportunity on Netflix also demonstrates the leverage top fighters can wield when they are dissatisfied with the promotion's pay structure.