SUMMARY
- Nick Newell, who is a physically disabled fighter, took on Justin Gaethje in July 2014.
- Newell recently called out some ignorant fans who called him a "random disabled dude."
Nick Newell is a fairly unknown name in the MMA World, however, he has cause for prominence. The disabled fighter does not have a left arm but he is still a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, he had to make his identity known on an Instagram Reel that was oblivious to his existence. Newell made his identity known in style.
A Reel was shared on Instagram where Justin Gaethje was fighting Newell. The text on the reel read, “Since when did Justin Gaethje fight a dude With a disability???”
Newell commented on the reel, “Yup just some random disabled dude with a BJJ black belt that wrestled in college & an 11-0 record.”
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Newell fought current UFC Lightweight fighter Gaethje in July 2014. At the time, Newell held an 11-0 record in professional MMA. In his World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship bout against the American, Newell lost via a second-round TKO.
As of now, Newell has not fought professionally for over two years. He last fought on Bellator 260 against Bobby King. He lost the bout via a split decision. Newell has also fought on Dana White’s Contender Series 14.
Nick Newell shares his nickname with Conor McGregor
Although there might be MMA fans who do not know Newell, former UFC double champion Conor McGregor sure does. Nick ‘Notorious’ Newell shares his nickname with ‘The Notorious One’ McGregor.
After McGregor lost against Dustin Poirier due to a broken leg at the end of the first round at UFC 257, the Irishman claimed that he was close to giving up. However, he was inspired by the likes of Newell.
In an interview with MMA Hour, he said, “At the time I thought, ya know maybe I won’t be able to do this again.”
McGregor named Newell and Zion Clark as his inspiration to continue. Clark was born without legs but had success in college wrestling and even won his first-ever MMA bout.
“You only gotta look at guys like the other ‘Notorious’ in the sport. The only other ‘Notorious’ in the sport is a guy, ‘Notorious’ Nick Newell has no hand. You know, there’s a way. With disabilities or something that’s wrong, you can find a way to compete. Look at, there’s another guy. Zion Clark, a wrestling champion. He’s got no lower half of his body. I saw him at the event, he had his MMA debut just recently he won.
But I see he can walk on his hands. I’m never stopping this, I’m continuing. I’d wheel out into that Octagon and I’d scoot into open guard if I couldn’t brace on the leg. That was in my thoughts, that was my thoughts.”
Conor McGregor with nothing but praise for Zion Clark after his pro MMA debut over the weekend 🙌
(via @TheNotoriousMMA, @bigz97) pic.twitter.com/T7ryXkkOHA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 21, 2022
People like Newell and Clark are important and should be talked about more. They inspire the world with their extraordinary stories.