Did you even expect that Nate Diaz‘s fame was somewhat in Conor McGregor‘s hands? Former UFC fighter Diaz gave an interesting story about his relationship with former rival McGregor recently. Along with that he also spoke about the monetary aspect of it and how he negotiated with Dana White and co for his deserved price for the fight. He looked back at how his first bout with ‘The Notorious’ went down and the discussions he had to make sure that he was paid properly for his short-notice challenge.

The Stockton native opened up about his UFC career while speaking to Demetrious Johnson and spilled the beans on his negotiation tactics against the shocking offer that Dana White made for his mega-fight with McGregor.

Nate Diaz exposes Dana White and co while speaking about his compensation for McGregor’s fight

The fan-favorite athlete from MMA became a sensation overnight when he shared the octagon with McGregor at UFC 196 almost 8 years ago. Not only did he take up the fight but won it via submission. The 22-13-0 fighter answered the call just 11 days before the fight was about to happen because Rafael dos Anjos got injured. This welterweight bout saw him fight magnificently against all odds and the fighter handed McGregor his first loss since 2010!

However, the compensation he deserved was not offered by White so he had to take matters into his own hands and received a hefty pay. While speaking to Johnson, Nate Diaz revealed on the former’s YouTube channel, how he was not accepting the “pennies” for that fight. While discussing the financial implications that came with fighting the former dual-weight champ Diaz claimed that UFC 196 was his highest pay-up at that point but he had to negotiate for it.

“At the time, it was (the biggest paycheck I’d received). But they were trying to give me pennies for that too,” revealed the fighter while adding, “I was like, ‘Yeah, right. I know what I’m doing here. I’ve been through it.’ I’d already been into it with the organization about that. So they called me and they were like, ‘Hey, while you’re going to do this, we’re going to give you a million dollars.’ I was like, ‘Hey, you’re gonna give me more than that.”

‘The Stockton Slugger’ not only had a gritty no-nonsense attitude inside the cage while fighting but also while negotiating his pay. He continued, “Remember when I was telling you about how if I fight every two months, I could be rich. That basic math attitude kind of f*cking times 10, times 100, over and over again. So I knew what it was with the whole money in the business and sh*t. I might not be educated but I’m not stupid.” His tactic worked and he was paid $500,000 in total.

He also shared about his relationship with his former rival and gave some interesting titbits about that.

Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor’s rivalry or boon in disguise?

The Stockton native talked about his post-UFC career and the boxing match against  Jake Paul. He also spoke about his UFC BMF opponent, Jorge Masvidal’s clash. Diaz revealed his former rival’s relationship with him as well while appearing in ‘All the Smoke’ podcast. Hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, asked him about his iconic fight at UFC 196 and the rivalry with McGregor. He admitted that this fight helped him get into the limelight and elevation as an MMA star.

He even talked about how their rift was settled now as compared to that time when they were in it for the blood. The 39-year-old however added as an afterthought, “I think he’s cool, but f*** him.” Will McGregor retaliate to this and settle for another face-off with his old rival? McGregor might be looking for a third fight as his contract has only two fights left.

Do you think the duo might fight again? Tell us your opinions in the comments below.