Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub has weighed in on the spat between Nate Diaz and Daniel Cormier. Schaub defended Cormier and questioned Diaz’s choice of targets.
How the feud began
The back-and-forth started when Nate Diaz criticized fight analysts. He singled out Daniel Cormier in his comments. Cormier pushed back and called Diaz “average.” The exchange quickly caught fans’ attention and led to wider debate in the MMA world.
Schaub sides with Cormier
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Schaub said Diaz picked the wrong person to attack. Schaub pointed to Cormier’s long record in the sport and said he is “MMA royalty.”
“Every guy he talks shit about is a better fighter and has a better career,” Schaub said. He added that Diaz is “barking up the wrong tree” by going after someone like Cormier.
Schaub, a former UFC heavyweight, argued there is a difference between being famous and having the career accomplishments that earn respect from peers. He made clear he sees Cormier as a top figure in MMA because of his titles and long history in the sport.
On Diaz’s status and Hall of Fame talk
Schaub gave a measured but blunt take on Diaz’s place in UFC history. He said Diaz had a good career but argued that Diaz will not make the UFC Hall of Fame based on individual accomplishments alone.
“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,” Schaub said. He did leave room for the idea that a single fight, such as Diaz’s bout with Conor McGregor, could be a Hall of Fame fight because of its impact.
Schaub also noted that Diaz has a large fan base and many memorable moments. But he stressed that fame does not always equal the kind of career résumé that leads to Hall of Fame status.
Criticism, analysts, and taking it personally
Schaub suggested that Diaz may be taking analyst comments personally. He reminded fans that analysts break down fights as part of their job.
“For him, he’s like, ‘Yo, these analysts breaking down fights, I don’t get it. F*** these guys,’” Schaub said. He followed that by saying analysts are paid to criticize and explain fights, and that fighters often should not take those critiques as personal attacks.
The feud shows how social media and public comments can quickly turn into larger debates about legacy, respect, and the line between media analysis and fighter pride. Schaub made his stance clear: he respects Cormier’s career and thinks Diaz picked the wrong target when he went after a longtime champion and analyst.
