Renowned chef, author, and globetrotter Anthony Bourdain recently posted a picture of himself eating with three members of MMA’s notorious “Skrap Pack” – the Diaz brothers, Nick and Nate, and Gilbert Melendez.
Bourdain is a former drug user and chain smoker who, thanks in part to his wife, Ottavia, has developed a new and far healthier addiction to jiu-jitsu. He is a blue belt.
The Diaz brothers, of course, need no introduction in the mixed martial arts world. Older brother, Nick, has taken on some of the biggest names in the sport, including but not limited to former Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre and former Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
Nate is also well-known for his matches with some of the biggest names in the business. At UFC 196, he stepped up on short notice to take on Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor in a welterweight match. Diaz choked him out in the second round and not only became the first person to defeat McGregor in six years, but the only person to beat him in a UFC match.
“I ain’t surprised motherfucker ” @NateDiaz209 @gilbertmelendez @nickdiaz209. pic.twitter.com/Wg6tMoaJnf
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) September 18, 2016
Gilbert Melendez is a former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former UFC lightweight championship contender. Like his teammates, the Diaz brothers, Melendez is well-known for his aggressive style. Three years ago, he put on one of the most exciting fights in MMA history when he took on Diego Sanchez at UFC 166.
He and the Diaz brothers all hold BJJ black belts under Cesar Gracie.
