Nick Diaz: McGregor bout a 'quick fix' to brother Nate's money problems
Nick Diaz always has a lot to say about the perceived disrespect he feels is directed at him and his brother Nate.
The Diaz brothers have built dedicated fan bases thanks to their no-nonsense soundbites and wildly entertaining fights, and they've frequently had issues with how the UFC treats their employees.
Nick appeared on Chael Sonnen's podcast to complain about his brother making a reported $40,000 for his win over Michael Johnson at UFC on FOX 17.
"It makes me sick," Nick said, according to David St. Martin of BloodyElbow.com. "It makes me sick what I get paid. It makes me sick for what we've done in the past. Then you see this guy (Conor McGregor) come out and do really well and it drives you crazy.
"(Nate) is stuck in the stone age back there, but I'm trying to help bring him some understanding. It's a quick fix, though. They really sell him short, both of us. As far as the 20 and 20, these guys are laughing, thinking it's a joke. No, dude. That's what he gets paid."
The relatively low payout is made more glaring when considering Saturday's appearance was Nate's 21st fight for the UFC. In comparison, Sage Northcutt recently made a reported $80,000 for just his second fight.
One possible solution is to give Nate what he wants: a meeting with McGregor that would guarantee fireworks inside and outside the Octagon.
"You can't lie to the fans," Nick said. "They know what they want to see. It's the fight that needs to happen. My brother's definitely relevant. You can't just act like he's not. This fight should probably happen, as far as I'm concerned. You've got these other guys that aren't very popular, even though they're holding the belt. Belts aren't important. It's the fights that are important. Important to the fans, important to the show. That's more money for everybody."
There is some substance to the call-out. Nate was mentioned as a possible replacement in June when the first Jose Aldo/McGregor fight was cancelled due to an Aldo injury.
"I think Conor was saying he wanted the fight, too, one time on account of somebody pulling out because they were hurt," Nick said. "He was asking for the fight, too, so give him what he wants."