In a recent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar in San Diego, MMA veteran Jake Shields shared his candid thoughts on an ongoing dispute within the MMA community involving Nate Diaz and Brendan Schaub. Shields, who led the session alongside Diaz, didn’t hold back in his support for Diaz, asserting that Diaz would have the upper hand in a BJJ match with Schaub.

Shields, a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and close friend of Diaz, has been part of the “Skrap Pack” for years—a team of fighters known for their relentless training ethic and raw fighting style. Shields and Diaz are not only training partners but also close allies, often backing each other on and off the mat. At the San Diego seminar, Shields took a moment to address the recent exchange between Diaz and Schaub, a former UFC fighter turned podcast host, who has occasionally criticized fighters like Diaz. Schaub’s remarks have sometimes sparked reactions from fighters, with Diaz being among those to call him out.

Shields’ Perspective on Diaz’s BJJ Skills

Shields believes that Diaz’s BJJ abilities would make him a formidable opponent for Schaub in a grappling match. Known for his impressive ground game and submission skills, Diaz is a long-time BJJ black belt under Cesar Gracie and has repeatedly proven his prowess in high-stakes fights. Shields emphasized that Diaz’s endurance, combined with his technical expertise, would give him a distinct advantage over Schaub in a strictly BJJ context.

“Diaz is in his element on the mat,” Shields explained. He went on to point out that Diaz’s grappling background, stemming from years of training with the Gracie family, sets him apart. Diaz has often leaned on his BJJ skills in the UFC, most notably in his fight against Conor McGregor in 2016, where he showcased his mastery by securing a rear-naked choke to win the match. Shields suggested that Schaub, despite his physicality and experience in the UFC, might find it challenging to keep up with Diaz’s skill level and resilience in BJJ.

The Ongoing Tension Between Diaz and Schaub

This latest comment from Shields only fuels the ongoing tension between Diaz and Schaub, which stems from Schaub’s critical remarks about various fighters on his podcast, “The Fighter and the Kid.” Schaub, a former heavyweight with a strong grappling background himself, transitioned from MMA to podcasting, where he’s become known for his outspoken views. His commentary, however, hasn’t always been well-received by fighters, with Diaz being among the notable figures to push back.

For Diaz, who has always prided himself on authenticity and dedication to martial arts, Schaub’s criticism likely feels unwarranted. Shields’ statement shows solidarity with Diaz, reinforcing the idea that Diaz’s commitment to the sport and his years of training could very well translate into a clear BJJ advantage over Schaub.

While a BJJ match between Diaz and Schaub might be unlikely, Shields’ comments add an interesting twist to the ongoing narrative. Fans of both fighters are speculating about how a hypothetical grappling match would play out, with many siding with Shields’ opinion that Diaz’s expertise would shine.

For now, Shields and Diaz continue their journey, sharing their BJJ knowledge with students and carrying the Skrap Pack legacy forward. As for the Diaz-Schaub feud, Shields’ backing leaves no doubt about where his loyalty lies—and, in the MMA world, this camaraderie and mutual respect often speak louder than words.