Jorge Masvidal demands to be released from the UFC

The welterweight division is one of the hottest divisions in the UFC. The top 10 is stacked with talend. Any of the top 5 fighters could get a title shot at any time. 

The Jorge Masvidal seemed to be the one getting the title fight against champion Kamaru Usman and negotiations have been underway.

The fight may have hit a roadblock as Jorge Masvidal pivoted his attention to former rival Nathan Diaz instead. Blaming Usman as the cause for the negotiations stalemate.   

Recently, Jorge and the champion Usman have stated the other side is what’s causing the holdup. 

Jorge went to twitter and stated, “Shouldn’t be this hard to get a deal done #f******.”

UFC President Dana White spoke regarding this matter during a press conference for UFC 250. 

Dana stated that Masvidal wanted to be paid more. 

“Anybody that doesn’t want to fight doesn’t have to fight, including Masvidal and Jon Jones and all these other guys,” White said. “It doesn’t have to be because of the pandemic. These guys are independent contractors. This isn’t like the NFL where I can make you: ‘You come to practice and you do this or you’re going to get fined or you’re going to get this.’ These guys can do whatever they want. They can say whatever they want.

“… We’re not begging people to fight. We’re offering fights because in our contract, I have to give you three fights a year. You have the ability to turn them down and not take them.”

Shortly after the Dana’s remarks Masvidal asked to be released from the promotion tweeting, “If I’m not worth it let me go @espn.” 

Adding, “I’m not an independent contractor if I can’t go anywhere else to make a living. Let me go and let me see if I’m worth it@espn #supernecessary.”

This is the second fighter that has requested to be released from the UFC. Last week, the UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones asked to be released as well. Will the UFC come to terms with these fighters or will more fighters follow and ask for their release?