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Ahead of Their Fight in the Coming Months, Jake Paul and Nate Diaz Hit Common Ground in Paying Tribute to UFC’s First Commentator and Legendary Footballer

Published 05/21/2023, 7:11 AM EDT

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The sporting world is collectively mourning the loss of Jim Brown, a true icon and legendary figure who made an indelible mark on multiple sports. On May 18, 2023, Brown passed away because of natural causes at the age of 87. Notable personalities from different realms and fields have been pouring their tributes to the legend, including LeBron James and Barack Obama.

Recently, rivals Jake Paul and Nate Diaz both paid homage to the late legend. Although both these fighters have been involved in a boil of controversy lately, they put all that aside to mourn the loss of Brown.

Nate Diaz and Jake Paul pay tribute to Jim Brown

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Nate Diaz posted an Instagram story of Jim Brown from his commentary days. In the short story, Brown praises MMA in his own unique way and speech. This gesture showcased the profound influence that Brown had on Diaz‘s career and his respect for the late icon.

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Jake Paul, on the other hand, was a little more vocal in his approach. Paul, being a big fan of football, had a signed Jim Brown jersey. He posted a picture of that jersey, which was hanging on his wall, to pay respect to the legend.

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“RIP. one of my inspirations since a kid – a true legend on and off the field who changed the world forever”, Paul wrote. The unexpected show of solidarity between Nate Diaz and Jake Paul in the wake of Jim Brown‘s passing highlights the power of shared admiration for a legendary figure.

The legendary athlete also forged a special connection with the UFC with not many fans not aware of it. So what was it?

Jim Brown’s career and his UFC connection

Many regarded Jim Brown as one of the greatest athletes of all time. A running back for the Cleveland Browns, Brown rewrote the record books, setting numerous records and leaving an enduring legacy. His extraordinary combination of power, speed, and agility made him one of the most impressive players on the field.

Moments After Saddening Loss of NFL Legend Jim Brown, Wife Pens Emotional Note for Concerned Friends and Fans Following Massive Support

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Beyond his extraordinary athletic prowess, Jim Brown was also a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. He was a trailblazer who used his platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice. Further, Brown also became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

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Jim Brown also had a significant connection to the world of mixed martial arts, particularly the UFC. Interestingly, Brown was UFC’s first-ever color commentator. He lent his voice to the first-ever UFC card in 1993. Moreover, Brown continued to work for a total of 5 UFC events.

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Jim Brown’s impact on the world of sports and society at large is immeasurable. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Written by:

Sushant Sharma

920Articles

One take at a time

Sushant Sharma is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports who has a keen understanding of the complex commercial nature of the sport. With a degree in Commerce from a prestigious institute, Sushant has a unique perspective on the multi-million-dollar industry that surrounds the UFC. He is an avid fan of the sport and has been following it closely since 2016.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce