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From “Baddest Motherf—ker” to asking for his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) release, Jorge Masvidal has come a long way from his win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 this past November.
Masvidal, who is one of UFC’s biggest stars today, made his presence felt on social media early Friday when he asked for his UFC release if the promotion failed to see his value. According to “Gamebred,” the promotion was not willing to pay the money he needed to challenge current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Remember, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones just went through this same situation with UFC president Dana White, who responded to Masvidal’s claims with a typical “he doesn’t have to fight if he doesn’t want to” explanation.
With UFC at battle with two of its biggest stars, the MMA community took notice and came to Masvidal’s defense, except one familiar friend foe. See what they had to say below:
Better to be a live chicken than a dead duck. #StreetJudas
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) June 5, 2020
If all fighters stood up right now and supported this … You would all double your money ??? ??? ??? Sad this shit is still going on
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) June 5, 2020
50% revenue split would be fair
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 5, 2020
And a pension or retirement fund
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 5, 2020
……and Medical for life
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 5, 2020
To much drama lately with fighters. Fuck I just wanna fight let’s get something done @ufc Cruz, Rivera Faber line em up @danawhite
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) June 5, 2020
I’m not paying anyone, go to bellator. pic.twitter.com/iaDqKMJAuM
— Dana Till (@darrentill2) June 5, 2020
When fighters leave to other promotions for more money they say they’re washed up or didn’t wanna fight the best. @GamebredFighter @JonnyBones and @HenryCejudo all at the top and asking for more money. Are these guys washed up and afraid to fight the best? Which 1 is it? https://t.co/3yvhgC48Yw
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) June 5, 2020
Sounds like they have a revolt on their hands https://t.co/tlCt8eNJ9d
— Anhyzer Askren (@Benaskren) June 5, 2020
This is a moment where @GamebredFighter and @JonnyBones can change the sport forever by organizing. https://t.co/9TuEzNknRV
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 5, 2020
A month ago, the bantamweight champion retired.
A week ago, the light heavyweight champion asked to be released.
Today, the BMF champion asked to be released.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2020
Jon Jones … wants to be paid.
Henry Cejudo … wants to be paid.
Nate Diaz … wants to be paid.
Jorge Masvidal … wants to be paid.There’s a pattern emerging here.
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) June 5, 2020
.@GrayMaynard gets it.
Ali Expansion Act will change all this. Promoters will be courting fighters instead of the reverse auction we have now with fighters begging the “boss” to work.
The fighters are the product. Not the promotion. https://t.co/ZRmhoDdj5g— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) June 5, 2020
Dana White earlier this week: Jon Jones is a partner
Dana White today: These guys are independent contractors.
One of these is true.
— Trent Reinsmith (@TrentReinsmith) June 5, 2020
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Stick with Mania for more updates on Masvidal’s battle with UFC.