Due to contractual problems, Pitbull's opponent leaves UFC 205

Iaquinta (photo) will no longer face Pitbull in New York. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Escalated to face Thiago Pitbull at UFC 205, in New York (USA), To the fifth revealed that he will no longer participate in combat. The North American was dissatisfied with the financial situation of his contract and, therefore, asked to leave the attraction on November 12th.

See too

Thiago Pitbull faces Al Iaquinta at UFC 205, in New York

Woodley puts belt on the line against Thompson at UFC 205

UFC selects Kelvin Gastelum to face Donald Cerrone at UFC 205

Iaquinta revealed that he withdrew from the fight with the contract in hand, about to be signed to make the duel official. “I received the contract and looked at it for a few days. I just couldn't sign it. I couldn't do that. I felt like it wasn't right. I talked to my manager and told him that I really wanted to fight in New York. There is nothing I would like more than to fight in New York, but I cannot accept a reduction in my salary”, he commented, in an interview with the website of the North American broadcaster “FOX Sprots”.

The athlete explained that the problem encountered refers to the UFC's controversial sponsorship agreement with Reebok. From mid-2015 until now, all fighters who work for the organization must wear branded uniforms and are prohibited from showing personal sponsorships in the octagon.

Iaquinta's contract with the UFC predated the start of the deal. The fighter would pocket US$5 from the sporting goods supplier for the fight, an amount equivalent to the payment he would previously receive from a single sponsor.

“I've already had a pay cut from all my sponsors. I've already taken all the reductions I could in the last 18 months. I told my manager I want more. I want to talk to the UFC and see if they can negotiate, because when I signed my contract, there was no agreement with Reebok”, he explained.

Iaquinta hasn't stepped into the Octagon since April 2015, when he won Jorge masvidal in the judges' decision. With his departure from the fight, the UFC should appoint a new opponent for Pitbull in New York.

[vox id=”47890″]