In a recent interview, former UFC star and political influencer Jake Shields weighed in on the ongoing feud between Nate Diaz and Brendan Schaub. The conflict escalated when Diaz took to social media to call Schaub a less-than-flattering nickname, prompting Schaub to challenge Diaz to a grappling match.
Shields, a longtime friend and training partner of Diaz, didn’t mince words when asked about a potential matchup between the two. “I’ve always liked Brendan, but Nate’s my boy, so obviously he’s going to win,” Shields stated. He added, “Brendan’s not a bad fighter and he’s bigger, but Nate’s a world-class champ right there.”
The size difference between Diaz and Schaub is significant, with Diaz primarily competing at lightweight and welterweight during his UFC career, while Schaub was a heavyweight. Currently, Schaub is estimated to weigh over 250 pounds, though recent rumors suggest he may have slimmed down thanks to ozempic.
This isn’t the first time Diaz and Schaub have clashed. In 2017, they had a heated exchange backstage following Conor McGregor’s boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. Schaub later revealed in an interview that the altercation nearly became physical, but he was restrained by the threat of losing his job with Showtime.
Schaub’s grappling credentials have been a topic of debate in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. His performance at Metamoris, a submission-only grappling event, against Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu became infamous for his defensive strategy, which has since been dubbed the “Schaub Shutdown” in BJJ circles.
Adding to the controversy, there are claims that Schaub obtained his BJJ black belt through unconventional means. According to reports, Schaub contacted his former instructor, Amal Easton, to request a black belt promotion after his son inquired about his rank. Schaub maintains that Easton had previously told him his black belt was waiting for him at the academy.
While a grappling match between Diaz and Schaub remains unlikely due to their size difference and current career trajectories, the ongoing war of words continues to captivate BJJ fans and spark debates about their respective skills on the mat.
