“Over $100M Broke”- Learning Amanda Nunes’ Disheartening Condition, UFC, NFL and Olympic Athletes Compared by UFC Veterans

Being a professional athlete is one of the most difficult professions in the world. To successfully perform at the highest level consistently takes dedication, strict discipline, an ability to cope with pressure and a strong will to not be discouraged by failures or losses. And it is very taxing on the body.

Not to mention a good support structure off out of the court, the ability to manage one’s money well. And, not be distracted with all that comes with fame and money. Recently, former UFC two-weight champion Amanda Nunes came out with an update on her health, which was discussed by legendary UFC referee John McCarthy and former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson who used it to explain the problems professional athletes face.

Amanda Nunes talks about her health

Amanda Nunes told Sports Illustrated the injuries that played a big factor in her decision to retire earlier this year. ‘The Lioness’ told the publication that her legs have nerve damage, her shoulder needs to heal, and even her teeth need to be worked on because of the punishment she accrued throughout her career.

“I cannot kick as much anymore. My legs have nerve damage from over the years. So things are starting to get harder for me. My shoulders need rest, my knees. Even my teeth need work after getting hit in the mouth so many times. I don’t see myself back in the cage any time soon. I am looking forward to a break. My body needs this,” the 35-year-old said.

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On their ‘Weighing In’ podcast, the duo used her case and of other athletes as a warning. They advised fighters and professional athletes to look out for common pitfalls that athletes fall into.

Josh Thomson and John McCarthy talk about Amanda Nunes’ health and warn athletes

Thomson talked about Olympians, and players in the NBA and NFL making massive amounts of money and still going broke after or even during their playing careers. He pointed out that the money they make in their career is supposed to last them the rest of their lives. Shaquille O’Neal and ‘Magic’ Johnson are brilliant examples of the benefits of the power of proper money management.

“I’m gonna let the fighters know, I gotta let everyone know – don’t think that because, oh, I made all this money… Look at how much money NFL players, basketball players [make], and look how many times they’re broke… Guys like Andre Rison who made, you know, over 100 million dollars [are] broke, dead broke. You got all these other football players basketball players you know athletes Olympic athletes all think it’s gonna last forever, it doesn’t.”

Thomson seems to have mixed up former NFL Wide Receiver Andre Rison with NBA player Latrell Sprewell. The former made $20 million throughout his career while the latter made $100 million in the NBA before going broke. He brought the conversation back to Nunes and said she had to stop training at 35 due to her injuries. The American said the injuries are even worse for an athlete involved in a contact sport like football or a combat sport like MMA.

“She’s not even 40 years old yet and she stops training…When you when you use your body to make income through sport… but when it’s a combat sport or a contact sport you take abuse that you eventually live with your entire life,” he told McCarthy.

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That is excellent advice for athletes and especially UFC fighters. They make a fraction of the money that football, basketball, or baseball players make. Additionally, it is clear that Amanda Nunes will not be returning to the UFC anytime soon.