Diaz Reacts To Usman-Burns ‘Non-Title’ Fight

Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White announced earlier today that Kamaru Usman would defend his Welterweight title against Gilbert Burns on July 11 on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. This, after the promotion couldn’t come to terms with Jorge Masvidal — who recently asked for his UFC release over pay disputes — to accept the fight he earned after a stellar 2019.

Soon after the announcement, Nate Diaz took to social media to throw in his two cents, seemingly backing his old foe’s stance while slamming both Usman and Burns for agreeing to the fight on UFC’s terms.

“This is what’s wrong with people claiming they’re fighters settling for less cause they know they’re not worth shit,” he said on Twitter. “You should’ve fought the next guy in line not the guy who would take less cause he’s told too that’s why no one will remember you guys. This isn’t a title fight.”

If that weren’t enough, the Stockton slugger — who hasn’t competed since losing to Masvidal at UFC 244 last November — fired a shot out of left field aimed at Reebok while belittling Usman and Burns’ pay compared to his.

“I get paid more than both of you together. Fuck Reebok.”

Indeed, Nate has done pretty good for himself over the last few years in the salary department thanks in large part to a couple of big-money fights against former UFC champ-champ, Conor McGregor.

Upon catching wind of Nate’s comments. Usman fired back with a scathing response of his own.

In Burns’ defense, he is technically the next man in line, as he currently the No. 1 contender in the rankings thanks to his one-sided beatdown over former division king, Tyron Woodley (see it again here).

Whether or not he will earn a drastic pay increase for his first-ever UFC world title fight, remains to be seen.