MVP Co-Founder: Nate Diaz Turned Down Larger UFC Offer For Netflix Card

Diaz opted for a fighter-first mentality with MVP over a bigger payday from the UFC.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:09am

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An abstract, expressionist painting depicting the intense physicality and raw energy of an MMA fight, with the fighters' forms dissolved into vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors.The upcoming MVP fight between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry promises to deliver a thrilling display of athletic ferocity and unpredictable action.Las Vegas Today

Nate Diaz, the former UFC fighter, has signed with the MVP organization founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to compete in an MMA fight on May 16. Bidarian revealed that the UFC offered Diaz a larger contract, but Diaz chose to join MVP due to their 'fighter-first mentality' and the opportunity to work closely with the promotion.

Why it matters

This move by Diaz signals a shift in fighter priorities, as he prioritized a more collaborative relationship with a newer promotion over a bigger payday from the UFC, the industry leader. It also highlights the growing influence of alternative MMA organizations like MVP, which are challenging the UFC's dominance.

The details

Bidarian confirmed that MVP offered Diaz less money than the UFC, but Diaz was drawn to their 'fighter-first mentality' and the promise of working closely with the promotion. While Diaz will not be a co-promoter for this upcoming MMA card, Bidarian reiterated that he and Paul will be working closely with Diaz in the future. Diaz has also called out Paul for a rematch of their 2023 boxing match, this time in an MMA fight, but Bidarian noted that Paul is currently sidelined with an injury.

  • Nate Diaz has not had a professional MMA fight in nearly four years.
  • Diaz's next fight will take place on May 16 against Mike Perry for the MVP organization.
  • Diaz and Jake Paul had a boxing match in 2023.

The players

Nate Diaz

A former UFC fighter who has now signed with the MVP organization to compete in an MMA fight on May 16.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of MVP, who previously fought Diaz in a boxing match in 2023.

Nakisa Bidarian

The co-founder of MVP, who revealed details about Diaz's contract negotiations with the UFC and MVP.

Mike Perry

Diaz's opponent for the upcoming MMA fight on May 16 under the MVP organization.

Conor McGregor

Diaz's former UFC rival, with whom he had a trilogy fight that was reportedly offered to Diaz but declined.

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What they’re saying

“[UFC] really tried to sign Nate Diaz...When they said there's an offer that Nate got that he couldn't refuse, Nate was honest. We offered him less money than the UFC offered him, but we gave him a fighter-first mentality and a promise to work with him closely to be the best platform for him in his career.”

— Nakisa Bidarian, Co-founder of MVP

What’s next

Diaz is currently scheduled to fight Mike Perry for MVP on May 16, and has also called out Jake Paul for a rematch in an MMA fight, though that bout is on hold due to Paul's injury.

The takeaway

Nate Diaz's decision to join the upstart MVP organization over the UFC, despite a larger contract offer, highlights the growing influence of alternative MMA promotions and a shift in fighter priorities towards more collaborative relationships with promoters.