Home MMA NewsLatest News Nate Diaz Rebuts Claims of Brain Damage from Fighting: ‘I’ve Been Speaking This Way All Along’

Nate Diaz Rebuts Claims of Brain Damage from Fighting: ‘I’ve Been Speaking This Way All Along’

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Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz, the battle-hardened veteran of the fight game, is not taking lightly to comments suggesting he’s suffered brain damage from his lengthy fighting career.

The 38-year-old veteran, often praised for his toughness and resilience, refutes allegations of having absorbed excessive damage, or being negatively affected by his extensive tenure in combat sports. Diaz was recently referred to as a “borderline vegetable” by Jorge Masvidal after retiring from the UFC, alleging that Diaz’s speech has been impacted due to years of taking hits in the octagon.

Diaz, without directly naming any critics, has responded to these assertions.

“I don’t really absorb punches like they suggest,” Diaz declared on The Pat McAfee Show. “My bleeding comes from forearms and elbows cutting me. Despite appearances, I roll with most of the punches I receive. I don’t just march blindly into them. I’ve never been knocked out, or even stunned into stupidity.

“People are speculating about my speech, suggesting I’ve got CTE or something. I tell them, I’ve been speaking this way the entire time. It’s not connected to getting hit or anything similar. I’m more intelligent now than I’ve ever been.”

As he prepares for his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul this coming August, Diaz confesses that he’s in better physical condition now than he was during his MMA career, due to less physical strain on his body.

Diaz doesn’t deny that boxing still entails absorbing blows, but he feels fantastic now that he’s focusing solely on boxing rather than the comprehensive physical demands of his prior career in the UFC.

“I’m not grappling or wrestling anymore, so there’s less strain and I feel really good,” Diaz remarked. “Boxing is risky. I’m sparring with big guys and I don’t want to get my bell rung or suffer a lot of head blows. It’s different from MMA as there’s more emphasis on headshots, but there’s certainly less strain on my body.”

Diaz is well aware that in boxing, as in MMA, one punch can change the course of a fight. That’s why he’s dedicated to avoiding getting hit.

“Every fight is intense,” Diaz explained. “An opponent is attacking you with their hands and legs. I’m always cognizant that I could be knocked out at any time, and that keeps me training harder than most.

“I believe I stay conscious due to that awareness.”

Diaz is planning for all possibilities in his bout with Paul, which has been increased from 8 to 10 rounds. This will be Paul’s first scheduled 10 round fight, and he has frequently mentioned how the extra time favors Diaz, known for his cardio and endurance.

Diaz strongly concurs, particularly considering the unrelenting pace he maintains. He plans to exhaust Paul before the final bell.

“It will take as many rounds as necessary to achieve a finish, but the longer it lasts, the more unbearable it will be,” Diaz said. “Paul is in for a long night. So am I, but I’m not scared. I’m ready to go.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nate Diaz

Who has criticized Nate Diaz’s health and speech?

Former UFC competitor Jorge Masvidal has criticized Diaz’s health, suggesting that his speech has been affected due to the years he has spent in the UFC.

What is Nate Diaz’s response to the claims of his supposed brain damage?

Diaz strongly refutes the claims of brain damage, stating that he’s always spoken the way he does now and that his speech patterns have nothing to do with getting hit in fights.

What is Nate Diaz preparing for now?

Nate Diaz is currently preparing for his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul which is scheduled for August.

What does Nate Diaz think about the shift from MMA to boxing?

Nate Diaz believes that while boxing still poses risks, it involves less physical strain compared to his prior career in the UFC, leaving him feeling healthier now.

How does Nate Diaz plan to approach the fight against Jake Paul?

Diaz is planning for all possibilities in his bout with Paul. He is known for his relentless pace and intends to make the fight a grueling experience for his opponent.

More about Nate Diaz

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5 comments

GloveGuru July 8, 2023 - 1:40 pm

nate’s got the heart of a lion, man. Those critics don’t know what they’re talking about… he’s gonna surprise a lot of people in his boxing debut, just watch!

Reply
RingSideRicky July 8, 2023 - 8:00 pm

did anyone seriously think diaz had brain damage? the dude’s always been a straight shooter, no nonsense kinda guy.

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PunchDrunkPete July 8, 2023 - 9:31 pm

so excited for this fight, diaz is gonna give paul a real run for his money. its not gonna be a cakewalk, that’s for sure!

Reply
MMAFan4Life July 9, 2023 - 3:59 am

Nate’s a total beast, man! Never doubted him for a sec. Can’t wait to see him throw down with Paul!

Reply
CombatQueen July 9, 2023 - 7:06 am

finally, someone shutting down those crazy brain damage rumors! Diaz is tougher than most people, and way smarter too.

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