Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub doubts Nate Diaz will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on his own merit.
Diaz is one of MMA’s most beloved figures. The Stockton native has what most would call a warrior’s record, but his personality and big fight moments have endeared him to combat sports fans worldwide. His two classic battles with Conor McGregor put Diaz over the top in terms of mainstream popularity, and he has kept that momentum to this day.
Still, Schaub doesn’t believe it’s enough for Diaz to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. During episode 489 of “The Schaub Show,” Schaub said he can only see Diaz being honored for his second bout with McGregor (h/t MMAFighting).
“So, Nate Diaz had a good career. Just so you’re aware, he will never make it to the Hall of Fame as an individual fighter. Now, maybe his fight against one of his previous opponents, maybe Conor McGregor, he might have a fight to make the Hall of Fame, but as far as him as individual accomplishments, he won’t make the UFC Hall of Fame. That’s just not real. That will never happen. I don’t know if that’s news to you guys, but he won’t.”
Schaub then expressed his belief that every fighter Diaz has trash talked is a better fighter. He also feels that Diaz’s beef with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier might contribute to him being shunned by the UFC brass.
“He’s just barking up the wrong tree when he talks shit to Daniel Cormier,” Schaub continued. “You’re talking about MMA royalty. Now, some of you that are new to the sport will be like, ‘Nate Diaz is royalty.’ He’s not. He’s not. He’s famous, but there’s a difference between being famous and accomplished.”
Diaz is set for what figures to be a sizable payday against Mike Perry on the same card that will feature the MMA returns of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. That matchup will take place on May 16, and it will be streamed live on Netflix.
Do you agree with Brendan Schaub’s assessment of Nate Diaz’s UFC Hall of Fame chances? Share your opinion in the comments below.