Lawsuit Against Leslie Smith Settled, Nate Diaz Suit Moved to Federal Court

A group that filed lawsuits against Lesie Smith and Nate Diaz has settled one suit, while moving the venue for the other. MMAjunkie reports that the Ballengee Group has dropped their against Smith after reaching a settlement, while the suit against Diaz and attorney Sam Award has been moved to Texas federal court.

The lawsuit against Diaz argues that he failed to pay commissions after Ballengee advised him on a fight against Michael Johnson and negotiated deals for his fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 200 and UFC 202. The group argues that Awad tortiously interfered with the agreement and told Smith and Diaz not to pay for management services. The group wants “exemplary damages” and “actual, economic, and non-economic damages in an amount within the jurisdictional limits.”

Diaz and Awad have filed a motion to have the case moved to California, as they both live there. The lawyer in the case says that they’re only connection to Texas is that Diaz “allegedly” had a contract with the group and that Awad has no connection to them.