When you think of Nick and Nate Diaz, what comes to mind? Is it their brash attitudes, their wild, chaotic fights, or perhaps their unapologetic swagger? For years, the Diaz brothers have been at the center of fascination, criticism, and endless debates. But are they truly the rebels they’re painted to be or is there more beneath the surface?

Jake Shields, a long-time friend, confidant, and teammate, has been by their side through it all, like a best friend who’s more of a brother. During a candid conversation on the Overdogs podcast, Shields peeled back the curtain on the lives of these polarizing figures in combat sports. When asked if the Diaz brothers are two of the most misunderstood fighters, he shared, “People will hang out with them, and they’ll be like, ‘Dude, those guys were so much cooler and nicer and normal than I expected.’” He added, “If they like you, they’re gonna treat you good. If they don’t, they won’t. But the thing is, as long as you approach them reasonably, they’ll be cool.”

It’s a striking contradiction to their tough, no-nonsense personas. Shields explained that for the Diaz brothers, fighting is personal, deeply personal. “To them, they look at fights as personal. It’s like that’s someone trying to take their money.”

That raw, unfiltered mentality explains their ferocity in the octagon. But it also reminds us of something we often forget. Fighters are human too. How often do we reduce them to records and highlight reels, overlooking the emotional toll this brutal sport takes?

And being layman, most of us would lose our cool if our personal space is not respected. But what about the Steve Austin of UFC? According to Jake Shields, Nate’s surprisingly composed for someone constantly in the spotlight. “He’s gotten so famous after these Conor fights and stuff. He has fans reaching up and grabbing him,” the ‘best friend’ said. “I’ve almost smacked fans… surprisingly, I never see him popping fans….He takes it pretty damn well.” Then, despite this composed behavior, why are there immense stains on their reputation?

Why doesn’t the MMA Community cut Nate Diaz and his brother some slack?

It’s no secret that the MMA community hasn’t always been kind to Nick and Nate. Let’s not sugarcoat it. There have been moments where they’ve leaned into their rebel image. From Nate puffing on a blunt at a UFC presser to Nick being unfiltered and blunt to a fault, they’ve embraced their ‘take us or leave us’ attitude.

And then there are the viral moments. Who could forget the viral clip of him looking disheveled and lost, sitting behind bushes? Or the rumors of addiction sparked by an Instagram post from his girlfriend? For Nick, years of grueling fights, suspensions, and personal battles have left visible scars. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that even legends aren’t invincible.

Despite these antics, Shields painted a picture of a side of Nate Diaz we don’t always see. Beneath the tough exterior is someone who handles his fame better than most. And then there’s Nick, whose struggles have often played out more quietly, but no less painfully. The Diaz brothers’ legacy goes far beyond their win-loss records. It’s about their humanity, their flaws, their struggles, their raw authenticity. And maybe that’s what makes them so compelling. They’re imperfect, just like the rest of us. They make mistakes, get angry, and yes, sometimes light questionable fires. But they also show resilience, loyalty, and an unshakable determination to be themselves.

Whether they’re rebuilding their lives, lighting literal or metaphorical fires, or stepping back into the octagon, one thing is clear, The Diaz brothers are fighters in every sense of the word. And maybe it’s time we gave them the understanding they’ve earned.

What do you think? Are we too quick to judge fighters like Nick and Nate Diaz? Have we been so focused on their rebellious antics that we’ve overlooked the toll this sport and life has taken on them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!