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.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

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

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Imago

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jake Paul

Getty

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

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.

Imago

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch This StoryReal Fight Incorporations: The MMA Promotion of Nick and Nate Diaz

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

Written by

author-image

Sushant Sharma

922 Articles

Sushant Sharma is a UFC Content Analyst at EssentiallySports. A senior writer with almost 1000 articles under his belt, Sushant is always scanning the MMA landscape for current trends and breaking news. His knowledge and expertise in the sport are well-reflected in the ‘Opinion’ pieces he churns out from time to time. Sushant’s impactful style of writing has earned him a mention from boxing champion turned MMA star Claressa Shields. He is a constant presence in the live coverage team, updating the fans with all the latest news from live events in real time. In his free time, Sushant trains in combat sports and powerlifting. He is an accomplished powerlifter with silver and bronze medals at the State level. You can reach out to him at

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Amal Joyce