For the last several weeks, ‘BMF’ Champion Jorge Masvidal has been embroiled in a contract dispute with the UFC. Masvidal was the presumed No. 1 contender for Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title this summer, but talks stalled and then eventually fell apart entirely when it came to pay for the bout. Masvidal, of course, wanted more money and Dana White wanted Masvidal to honor the terms of his current contract. This prompted Masvidal to ask for his release from the company and publicly decry the fact that the UFC only pays fighters 18 percent of their overall revenue. The UFC then announced that Gilbert Burns would be getting the next welterweight title shot and things have been in a stalemate since then.
That stalemate continued this weekend as Dana White was asked to comment on the Masvidal situation and put the onus firmly on “Gamebred” for not wanting to fight.
“Masvidal is very much like the Diaz brothers,” White said. “He beats to the sound of his own drum and when he wants to do something, he does it. It’s not very surprising at all.”
But despite Dana White throwing him under the bus, Masvidal apparently does not have any enmity for the UFC President. Responding to White on Twitter, Masvidal said he felt bad for White, but was firm in his belief that the UFC was not acting in good faith.
I feel bad for Dana. He is just a promoter but he isn’t doing the deals with us https://t.co/yGVOPUFxsm
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
I already explained why I signed a new deal. It’s either take it or leave it and not get paid. I would’ve signed another deal if it was done in good faith. He called me night before he wants to announce and tell me take or it leave it. That’s not negotiating that’s strong arming
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
But for all his magnanimity with White, Masvidal had far harsher words for the fighters-turned-commentators who have been toeing the company line in this dispute. — Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
And for the #whiteknights that have commentating jobs with the ufc that say “just fight” you guys should be embarrassed to call yourselves current/former fighters. Not one of you been doing it as long as me and like me. There’s a reason you are “commentating”
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
Specifically, the 2019 Fighter of the Year seems to be taking aim at Daniel Cormier, who in recent weeks has had much to say on the issue of fighter pay and how to properly negotiate with the UFC. In regards to Jon Jones specifically (who is currently embroiled in a similar pay dispute with the UFC), Cormier has chastised Jones for airing his grievances publicly and has, in general, seemed to be on the UFC’s side of these pay disputes. And Masvidal seemingly just fundamentally disagrees with Cormier’s approach to fight contracts. — Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
For that fight I was compensated more. For the 6 remaining I am not. I have always been able to negotiate going forward except now when it comes time for the title fight, I go backwards? Gtfoh. In essence it’s a one fight deal. Henry cejudo, jon Jones, Conor and https://t.co/z4jBXqfn9k
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
I’m still trying to get paid not played. Why we here now
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
The longer this goes on, the messier this dispute becomes and at this point, it seems like neither Masvidal nor the UFC are planning to budge anytime soon.— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 14, 2020
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Commentator here (albeit not with the UFC and definitely not the first one that comes to mind).
Nevertheless, I wanted to say publicly that I support @GamebredFighter and all the fighters in their quest to get paid more.
Much more. https://t.co/nNVAaEDzOG
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) June 14, 2020
Ray Borg.Nevertheless, I wanted to say publicly that I support @GamebredFighter and all the fighters in their quest to get paid more.
Much more. https://t.co/nNVAaEDzOG
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) June 14, 2020
DC leaning into his company man role.
The corporate champion returns tomorrow. New DC and Helwani is live tomorrow at 1pm est Someone has to represent the corporation !!!! pic.twitter.com/rZSrl4SI9l
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 14, 2020
Beef.— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 14, 2020
Right now they are somewhere hiding O’Malley in a bunker from that guy
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 14, 2020
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 14, 2020
@MerabDvalishvil vs @brianboom135 whoever wins I’ll send an autographed picture to.
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) June 14, 2020
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) June 14, 2020
Can you sign it “ padded record “
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 14, 2020
Confident.— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 14, 2020
About to remind you. 2 weeks
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 15, 2020
Trying to rekindle the magic.— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 15, 2020
No more “if’s” let’s make it happen @danawhite @seanshelby @ChaelSonnen @ufc pic.twitter.com/rPy2eUzvBu
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) June 14, 2020
A commentator.— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) June 14, 2020
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I get asked a lot when I’m returning or if I’m officially retired. I miss the octagon and competing but these Pictures are how I come home to a 5 year old princess. It’s a hard job. This is why I love commentating. I get to talk about the toughest athletes on the planet. #bloodsport #tough #irishdragon
A post shared by Paul Felder (@felderpaul) on Jun 14, 2020 at 3:09pm PDT
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Today I became a Mother all over again! The experience was incredible, we planned a hospital birth but our son had other plans! Daxton Wylder Nuñez was born at 8:20am June 14th in our home. We welcomed our son as a family..... it was perfectly imperfect and I am over the moon! I cannot thank you enough @johnnyboymma you kept me centred, focused and helped me unexpectedly deliver our baby! I couldn't have done it without you truly. Thank you for being my rock. #unexpectedhomebirth #homebirth #babyboy #birthaffirmations #birthstory
A post shared by Miesha Tate (@mieshatate) on Jun 14, 2020 at 2:53am PDT
[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h]Leo Santos (17-3-1) vs. Roman Bogatov (10-0); UFC 251, July 11.
Nathaniel Wood (16-4) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (12-0); UFC Fight Night, July 25.
Raphael Pessoa (10-1) vs. Justin Tafa (4-1); UFC Fight Night, July 25.
Junior dos Santos (21-7) vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-1); UFC 252, Aug. 15.
Magomed Ankalaev (13-1) vs. Ion Cutelaba (15-5); UFC 252, Aug. 15.
Felice Herrig (14-8) vs. Virna Jandiroba (15-1); UFC 252, Aug. 15.
Manel Kape (15-4) vs. Rogerio Bontorin (16-2); UFC 252, Aug. 15.
[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h]Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
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