A recent video featuring retired MMA fighter and professional boxer Nam Phan has gained attention online, showcasing the stark decline in his speech over the years due to the toll of fighting and sparring. The video has left many fans heartbroken, as they witnessed the lasting effects of his career on his health.

The prevailing belief among many is that Nam Phan is likely suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). But is that truly the case, or could there be other factors contributing to the deterioration of Phan’s speech over the years? Here’s a closer look at what really happened to him and everything you need to know about this versatile fighter.

All we know about Nam Phan’s UFC and boxing career

Nam Phan is a former pro in both mixed martial arts and boxing, and he’s definitely left his mark in both worlds. In boxing, Phan had 12 matches and ended his career with 3 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. His last few years in the ring were rough, losing his final seven fights—six by unanimous decision and one by knockout—before he decided to hang up his gloves in November 2018.

Phan’s MMA journey, especially in the UFC, is also worth talking about. He first made waves on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, where he scored wins over Mike Budnik, Spencer Paige, and Cody McKenzie before narrowly losing in the semi-finals to Michael Johnson. Phan’s UFC stint was packed with memorable moments, including a controversial split decision loss to Leonard Garcia, which was later called the “2010 Robbery of the Year.” Despite some tough matches against big names like Dennis Siver and Jimy Hettes, Phan racked up wins against fighters like Cole Miller and Matt Grice.

After leaving the UFC in 2014, Phan kept competing in MMA, even spending a bit of time in Bellator MMA, where he had a tough fight against Mike Richman. He finally retired from MMA in 2017, capping off a career full of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments in combat sports.

Why is Nam Phan’s speech changed now?

Over the years, Phan’s speech has taken a noticeable hit, shifting from clear and articulate to slurred and slow. This change is likely tied to his long career in combat sports, where he took a lot of hits to the head, something many fighters go through.

The most likely reason for these visible speech changes is CTE, a brain condition that comes from repeated trauma to the head, damaging the nerve cells in the brain. CTE is pretty common in athletes who play contact sports like football, where getting knocked around is part of the game. It is much more severe in boxing and MMA, with blows raining on the head several times during a single fight.

The symptoms of CTE can range from memory loss and poor judgment to depression and personality changes, and in more severe cases, issues with speech. Sadly, CTE can only be officially diagnosed after death by examining the brain.

Phan’s situation really highlights the need for more research into CTE and better safety measures in combat sports. As more people learn about CTE, the push to protect athletes from the serious effects of repeated head trauma becomes even more urgent.

Nam Phan reveals regular doctor visits and current physical condition

After years of grueling battles in the ring, Nam Phan now enjoys a well-earned retirement, keeping his followers updated on his health and fitness journey. Recently, he shared a visit to the doctor’s office on social media with the caption, “At the doctor’s office about to get my yearly physical. I speak a lot of languages lol.”

On August 8, he posted about his workout routine, saying, “Oh you know 41 years old & just ran 8 miles . No big deal anyone can do it. The grind don’t stop!!! 8 miles in the books baby!!!”

What does Nam Phan do now? Life after combat sports

It appears even in retirement, the 41-year-old combatant can’t stay away from combat sports. According to his Instagram posts, he is training Muay Thai at a local gym. In a post two days ago, he even encouraged his fans to join in on the fun.

He wrote, “6am #muaythai class Monday Wednesday or Tuesday Thursday get in shape, improve fitness and learn Muay Thai. Twice a week for $85 a month. Come try a free class.” Despite his continued training, it seems his Muay Thai practice remains outside of the competitive ring.

Nam Phan’s story is one of those who are still paying the price for years of action in the ring. However, Phan seems to have taken things in a positive light and lived life to its fullest despite a potential CTE diagnosis, yet not everyone is as lucky as him. What did you think of Phan’s deteriorating speech?