Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant and physical players in the NBA. Nobody could stop him from scoring points unless they were open free throws. “Diesel” had two advantages: size and athleticism. He could change outcomes on his own. Shaq was an absolute match-winner for most of the teams he played for. He is not very dissimilar to Giannis or Embiid in that way. But his size just created the right intimidation factor for teams to set their tactics around him.

Outside of the NBA, Shaq is a very popular figure in the mainstream consciousness. He had undertaken various side quests: actor, rapper, pro-wrestler. Nowadays, he is a TV analyst for TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and hosts a podcast of his own called “The Big Podcast with Shaq”.

He has also been very interested in MMA and the UFC. In fact, he has expressed his liking for Nate Diaz. Diaz, who is part of the UFC’s Welterweight division, has referenced each quite a few times. Shaq has said, ” I like Nate… because I like the way he fights. It’s the same with me. IDGAF, if you know what I mean. You are right. I like real people, you know… and you have to respect people like that.” 

Nate Diaz has recently shared Shaq’s reel of him dominating the court through his stories on Instagram. His caption above stated, ” I feel you” with two red 100 emojis.

Shaquille O’Neal and MMA

Shaq is a well known MMA fan. He has mentioned himself to be comparable to the Diaz Brothers. O’Neal once said, ” I actually like the Diaz brothers. They kinda remind me of myself. We just don’t give a damn. We’re always gonna put on a show and it don’t matter what you put in front of us. [Michael] Jordan, [Charles] Barkley, Karl Malone… we’re still gonna step up.”

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He has gone to their academy and sparred with them. Nate Diaz even has a image of both doing the fighting pose with each other.

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Diaz has faced many difficult fighters such as former champion Conor McGregor. Both of his fights with McGregor won the “Fight of the Night” awards. He is known to be brutal with his opponents but has never won the big one ever.

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Could Shaq have become a great MMA fighter? Think and write about it in the comment section.