Shocking video shows the incredible damage a UFC star suffered over 15 years of fighting
- MMA fans shocked by video of former UFC star slurring his speech
- Nam Phan has been practicing martial arts for twenty years
- Phan is still involved in martial arts and wants to continue fighting
MMA fans and experts have expressed concern over a disturbing video of former UFC fighter Nam Phan, which shows his speech has clearly deteriorated throughout his career.
Phan, 41, is a retired American mixed martial artist and professional boxer who began competing professionally in 2001.
The Californian, who has competed in some of the world’s biggest promotions including the UFC, officially retired from combat sports in 2017, but remains active, competing in boxing and Muay Thai events.
A video clip circulating on social media shows that Phan’s speech ability has clearly deteriorated throughout his career, probably due to the many years of sparring and fighting.
In the earlier footage of the clip, Phan can be seen speaking clearly and easily understood. However, in the more recent footage, he appears to be slurring his words, having difficulty with pronunciation, and speaking very slowly.
āRough man. Nam is an OG,ā one fan responded.
“Nam Phan was such a nice fighter. It makes me sad to see him like this,” wrote another.
Renowned MMA journalist Luke Thomas shared the video on Tuesday in which he commented on the sad situation.
āDevastating,ā he wrote.
MMA fans and experts have expressed concern over a sad video of former UFC fighter Nam Phan circulating on social media
‘There are so many issues involved with this: poor oversight of the commission, limited pay for fighters, fighters’ own risk assessment and many more.
“This sport will absolutely break you. And a lot more where this came from.”
Some fans of the MMA star claim Phan is suffering from the deadly brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is a degenerative brain disease closely linked to repeated blows to the head and can only be diagnosed after death.
It can lead to dementia, personality changes and suicidal thoughts. There is no cure or treatment.
Phan admitted in a recent interview that he would like to have a few more fights, but that fight fans are not looking for that.
In a recent interview, Phan indicated that he is interested in taking on a few more fights
“He shouldn’t be fighting anymore. It breaks my heart to hear him,” one fan said.
“And here committees need to intervene. This man should NOT be fighting anymore,” replied another.
Last year, former UFC fighter Julie Kedzie announced that she wanted to donate her brain for post-mortem research.
The 42-year-old Kedzie has fought in 29 professional MMA fights, the last two of which were in the UFC. She ended her career in 2013 with a record of 16 wins and 13 losses.
In the decade since, she has openly admitted to suffering from depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsiveness and sleep deprivation, all symptoms of the deadly brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
With this in mind, Kedzie has pledged to donate her brain after her death so that it can be studied. She hopes that the research can help other women in combat sports in the future.