In a significant legal victory, UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal has been awarded over $5 million in his legal battle against the online platform Fanmio, which promoted his boxing match with Nate Diaz. Following a ruling from an arbitrator that recognised Masvidal’s entitlement to $5,315,268.64 stemming from his fight deal, Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez finalised the judgement. Although Masvidal secured this win, Fanmio continues to face legal challenges from other fighters, including Diaz, who is seeking over $9 million.
Jorge Masvidal’s Legal Victory
A Florida judge awarded UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal a default judgement of over $5 million in his legal battle against Fanmio, the promotional company for his boxing match against Nate Diaz. This ruling came after an arbitrator granted Masvidal approximately $5.3 million, plus post-judgement interest from the fight. Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez confirmed the arbitrator’s decision, providing Masvidal with a decisive legal victory against Fanmio.
Masvidal’s dispute with Fanmio is centred around his fight contract for the highly publicised Masvidal Diaz fight. According to court documents, Masvidal’s agreement included a $6 million purse, along with an additional $1 million bonus if he emerged victorious. The fighter maintained that the only payments received were a mere $150,000 advance and a single $1 million instalment, prompting his legal actions.
Background to the Dispute
In January, Jorge Masvidal filed a legal claim against Fanmio, asserting that the company failed to provide the promised payments for his participation in the boxing match. This legal battle not only addressed the financial discrepancies but highlighted broader issues concerning the validity of contracts in the fight promotion industry. Masvidal’s claims pointed towards a lack of transparency in boxing match payments and the responsibilities of promotional platforms like Fanmio.
After a detailed arbitration process, the arbitrator sided with Masvidal, acknowledging his claims regarding the payments. While Masvidal’s legal battle ends with the awarded judgement, Fanmio is still entangled in additional legal issues with other fighters, reflecting a turbulent period within the promotional landscape.
Ongoing Legal Challenges for Fanmio
Fanmio’s legal challenges extend beyond Jorge Masvidal’s claim, as the company faces scrutiny from other fighters as well. Notably, Nate Diaz, who fought Masvidal, filed a legal claim against Fanmio shortly after Masvidal’s legal proceedings commenced. Diaz claims he is owed over $9 million, and an arbitrator recently granted him $6 million in damages alongside attorney fees, yet the legal battle remains pending final approval.
This ongoing litigation highlights the complex nature of boxing match payments, contractual obligations, and the consequences for promoters like Fanmio. The financial disputes signal a troubling trend in the industry, where fighters increasingly challenge promoters over mismanaged payments and incomplete agreements.
Conclusion
Jorge Masvidal’s legal battle against Fanmio culminated in a significant default judgement, affirming his claims regarding unpaid boxing match payments and establishing a potent precedent for fighters facing similar issues. The resolution of this case brings some closure for Masvidal, but the continuing legal claims involving Nate Diaz and other fighters indicates that Fanmio remains under considerable scrutiny. As the landscape of fight promotions continues to evolve, the implications of this legal saga will likely resonate throughout the boxing and MMA industries for some time.
