Roberto Duran can be considered to be one of the greatest fighters to ever step in the ring, with a remarkable 119 fights.
Fighting across five decades, ‘El Cholo’ had incredible longevity. Duran won his first world title against Ken Buchanan at the age of just 21. Then, 26 years later, he would have his final world championship bout.
Few high-level fighters can boast the same experience as Duran, who once won 40 fights in a row. This means when it comes to combat sports knowledge, he can provide great insight.
In 2019, Duran was able to lend advice to a fellow combat sports star to help him earn a win.
- READ MORE: Roberto Duran won ‘Fight of the Year’ to claim world title and set up Sugar Ray Leonard trilogy
Roberto Duran gave Jorge Masvidal advice before UFC fight with Nate Diaz
In November 2019, MMA fighters Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz were set to compete in a headline bout at Madison Square Garden.
The two would compete at 170 lbs, with both men being fan favorite fighters at the time. Ahead of the fight, Masvidal received some advice from boxing legend Duran.
In footage posted to Masvidal’s YouTube channel, Duran approaches Masvidal during his media duties. “The Stone has arrived!” Duran announced.
After embracing the former UFC title challenger, Duran said, “I came here to accompany you, but first, I’m going to defeat you. Masvidal responded by saying, “There’s no way that could happen, even if you shot me in the leg.”
The former boxing champion then pulled Masvidal in, saying, “I do need to tell you one thing, come in close.”
“He’s [Nate Diaz] going to come after you, he wants to kill you! Don’t stand in front of him, or he will get you. And, you know, I’ve studied him a lot. When he comes close, bam! You can’t come near me.”
Masivdal told the media afterwards, “This is the only time you’re going to see me fan-boy. This man [Duran] has been an inspiration to me since I was a kid.”
Masvidal would earn the victory in his fight at UFC 244. After three rounds of an excellent striking showcase, a cut on the face of Diaz would lead to the doctor calling off the fight.
- READ MORE: Youngest ever world champion claimed title at 17 before facing Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran
Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz had their rematch in a boxing match
There was some controversy when Masvidal earned a stoppage victory over Diaz in 2019. As Diaz wanted to continue despite the damage, the fight was seen to have a somewhat inconclusive end.
Although the two would not compete again under the UFC banner, they would have a boxing match in 2024.
Competing in California, the two former UFC stars headlined a card that also featured Shane Mosley Jr.
Despite being an underdog in their 10-round boxing match, Diaz emerged as the winner. Claiming a victory via unanimous decision, it improved Diaz’s professional boxing record to 1-1.
In his previous outing in 2023, he lost a unanimous decision to Jake Paul.