MMA News Roundup: Islam Makhachev unhappy with UFC, Logan Paul's Prime sponsorship details revealed, Nate Diaz calls veteran "dumbf*ck" over slap fighting opinion
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Islam Makhachev's discontent with the UFC, Nate Diaz dissing a veteran fighter over the latter's opinions on Power Slap League, and more.
#3. Islam Makhachev not happy with UFC 284 promotion
Islam Makhachev recently voiced his concerns over the UFC not doing enough to promote his upcoming super fight with Alexander Volkanovski. The two stalwarts will go head-to-head in Perth next Saturday with the lightweight strap and the No. 1 pound-for-pound position on the line.
Despite its magnitude, the fight has indeed not received its fair share of the limelight, especially compared to Dana White's new venture, Power Slap League.
In an interview with RSport Russia, Makhachev expressed his discontent over the situation. According to the Dagestani, the clash deserved a media tour around the world, or at least in the U.S.A.
Islam Makhachev isn't feeling the promotional hype around his champ-vs-champ fight.
#UFC284 | More: bit.ly/3Ht3lCE https://t.co/6wnAYH9k6v
Journalist Mike Bohn has pointed out on Twitter that out of the last 50 posts on the promotion's account, just one is about the Makhachev vs. Volkanovski fight. Power Slap League, in comparison, has 9.
#2. Prime x UFC sponsorship details: Revealed
The UFC recently signed a deal with sports drinks brand Prime owned by Logan Paul and KSI.
According to a Sports Business Journal report based on an industry source, the deal is for three years and involves a seven-figure sum. The article further revealed that the deal includes global rights, an "official sports drink" designation, rights with the PI training center, TV and social media content, branding within the two corners inside the octagon, and the stools used by fighters to sit between rounds.
Prime has been collaborating with many sports entities of late. Last year, they purchased rights with Premier League club Arsenal and have also been a sponsor of MBM Motorsports.
Read more about the partnership here.
#1. Nate Diaz calls Anthony Smith "a dumbf*ck"
Nate Diaz does not care for Power Slap League or anyone who seems to have something positive to say about it.
Veteran light heavyweight Anthony Smith recently said in an interview with Fight Nation on SiriusXM that he enjoys watching slap fighting to the point he would spend on a pay-per-view, no matter the cost.
Diaz, who has been a critic of the new league from the beginning, took to Twitter to slam 'Lionheart' for his views.
@bjpenndotcom Anthony smith is a dumbfuck
Power Slap League has received mixed reviews since it began airing in January. While some seem to enjoy the new form of combat violence, others disapprove of the amount of risk it potentially poses to competitors and the meager pay as well.