Ex-UFC Star Nate Diaz And Theo Von Talk CTE In MMA, Vaccinations

Nate Diaz and Theo Von got onto the topic of CTE and whether it’s something Diaz is concerned about having been fighting for over 20 years. 

Diaz and Chris Avila sat down with Von for the latest episode of his podcast and, amongst other topics, got to address whether or not they were concerned about the effects of CTE considering their fighting careers. 

“Over time with fighting is CTE, does it feel like a real thing to you guys? Do you think that fighting has affected the way that you’re able to think?” Von asked. 

Diaz appeared disinterested in the topic to begin with, laughing after asking Von, “When you do comedy, does CTE f*** with you?” 

But he did continue, “I feel like that’s football probably a lot more than fighting. ‘Cause I played football too. I remember when I f***ing would hit helmets with people and have a headache all night.”

“I don’t know what the question was about CTE. What did you say? My CTE is kicking in,” he laughed. 

“I think that answers it bro,” Von replied before asking if he had gotten vaccinated. Diaz replied: “I didn’t get vaccinated ever. F*** you. Vaccinate yourself motherf*****.”

Whether or not Diaz is concerned, CTE remains one of the foremost medical considerations for anyone entering a contact sport, a result of repeated trauma to the brain causing neurological damage, cognitive decline, and behavioral change. 

Dr. Chris Nowinski is a former professional wrestler who studied neuroscience as a result of his observations in football and professional wrestling as it pertains to CTE, working with institutions to install accurate concussion guidance and preventive measures. 

Even still, there has been a growing contingent of athletes and executives in sport concluding that CTE is either exaggerated or made-up. Very much in the same way anti-vaccination sentiment has become prevalent over recent years.