Former UFC star turned boxer Nate Diaz is suing Fanmio following the company’s owner failing to pay him a reportedly $9 million for the fight.
First reported by TMZ.
Diaz, 39, fought Jorge Masvidal to a decision victory at Last Man Standing on July 6 in Anaheim, CA. According to Diaz he is still owed $9 million that he was supposed to receive following the fight. Diaz was paid $1 million upfront by Fanmio as part of the agreement.
According to the Stockton product’s representatives Fanmio owner Solomon Engle flooded the team with calls letting them know he would not be able to pay the remaining amount due to losing more money than previously anticipated.
Part of the lawsuit reads:
“Fanmio and Engle are now reneging on their written and oral promises and guarantees to pay $9 million owing to Diaz because they claim they are going to lose money on the event. In a flurry of desperate calls to Diaz’s representatives following the event, Engle despondently groveled that he was going to lose more money than he had anticipated on the event if he paid Diaz what he had promised and that his wife might divorce him because of the financial losses.
Engel went so far as to threaten he might have to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying Diaz what he owed.”
Diaz is suing for breach of contract and fraud in Miami, FL. The suit claims that his team was told the funds had already been put aside to guarantee he’d be paid.
After not being paid following the event the suit was filed against Fanmio and Engle.
UPDATE: Fanmio CEO Solomon Engle has responded to Diaz’s lawsuit via press release:
“Nate Diaz has filed a frivolous lawsuit against Fanmio which claims that fraud and breach of contract were committed by Fanmio, yet neither has taken place.
In fact, Diaz has already been paid seven figures in connection with the fight. I look forward to resolving this dispute through the appropriate process and am confident that justice will prevail.
Making salacious and defamatory statements to the media in order to harm my family and I has only strengthened my resolve to ensure that the truth with triumph.”
