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The Stockton Scrapper

A deep dive into the career, controversies, and cultural impact of one of MMA's most iconic figures.

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Who is Nate Diaz?

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Nathan Donald Diaz, born April 16, 1985, is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer widely recognized for his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). After winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz competed in the UFC for over 15 years, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sport. His career also includes stints in World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase, showcasing a diverse combat background.[7]

Roots in Stockton

Diaz was raised in Stockton, California, alongside his older brother Nick and sister Nina. Of Mexican and Anglo heritage, his upbringing in Stockton and Lodi, California, significantly shaped his persona and fighting style. He began training in martial arts at the age of 11, following in the footsteps of his brother, Nick, who is also a renowned professional MMA fighter.[10][11]

Physicality and Style

Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) with a reach of 76 inches (193 cm), Diaz primarily fights from a southpaw stance. He has competed across both the Lightweight (2004–2010, 2011–2015) and Welterweight (2010–2011, 2016–present) divisions. A distinguished martial artist, he holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie, reflecting his formidable grappling prowess. His training regimen includes boxing under Richard Perez and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie, contributing to his well-rounded, high-volume striking and submission-oriented approach.[2][3][4][5]

MMA Journey

Early Professional Engagements

Diaz's competitive journey began even before his official professional MMA debut, with a bare-knuckle MMA fight at the age of 17 in July 2002.[13] His professional career officially commenced with World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where he challenged for the WEC Lightweight Championship against Hermes França at WEC 24 in 2006, ultimately losing by submission. This event marked the end of WEC before its acquisition by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC.

The Ultimate Fighter 5 Victory

A pivotal moment in Diaz's career was his participation in The Ultimate Fighter 5, a season exclusively featuring lightweights. Under Jens Pulver's team, Diaz demonstrated his submission skills, defeating Rob Emerson, Corey Hill (via triangle choke), and Gray Maynard (via submission) to reach the finals. He secured the tournament victory by defeating teammate Manvel Gamburyan, who tapped out due to a dislocated shoulder. This triumph not only earned him the title of The Ultimate Fighter 5 winner but also a $50,000 Knockout of the Night award.[15][16][17]

UFC Tenure and Notable Bouts

Diaz's UFC career was characterized by a series of high-profile fights and numerous bonus awards. He earned multiple Submission of the Night bonuses for victories over Alvin Robinson, Kurt Pellegrino, Melvin Guillard, Takanori Gomi, and Jim Miller.[18][19][23][34][40] His bouts against Josh Neer, Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson, Marcus Davis, Donald Cerrone, and Conor McGregor (twice) were recognized with Fight of the Night honors.[20][21][22][29][36][59][63][69] In 2012, he challenged Benson Henderson for the UFC Lightweight Championship.[9] His return to welterweight saw a significant victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 196, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus.[63] Diaz concluded his UFC contract with a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, also earning a Performance of the Night award.[85]

Key MMA Career Highlights:

  • 2002: Competes in a bare-knuckle MMA fight at age 17.
  • 2006: Challenges for WEC Lightweight Championship.
  • 2007: Wins The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament.
  • 2008: Earns multiple "Submission of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" bonuses.
  • 2010: Makes Welterweight debut, secures TKO win over Rory Markham.
  • 2011: Returns to Lightweight, earns "Submission of the Night" against Takanori Gomi, "Fight of the Night" against Donald Cerrone.
  • 2012: Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, earns "Submission of the Night" against Jim Miller, challenges for UFC Lightweight Championship against Benson Henderson.
  • 2013: Earns "Knockout of the Night" in rubber match against Gray Maynard.
  • 2014: Returns from hiatus, faces Rafael Dos Anjos in a catchweight bout.
  • 2015: Defeats Michael Johnson, delivers infamous post-fight call-out to Conor McGregor.
  • 2016: Submits Conor McGregor at UFC 196 (Welterweight), earning "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night." Loses rematch to McGregor at UFC 202 in another "Fight of the Night."
  • 2019: Returns to defeat Anthony Pettis, fights Jorge Masvidal for the symbolic "BMF" title at UFC 244.
  • 2021: Faces Leon Edwards in a five-round non-title bout at UFC 263.
  • 2022: Submits Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in his final UFC fight, earning "Performance of the Night." Becomes a free agent.[86]

Boxing Ventures

Transition to Professional Boxing

Following his departure from the UFC as a free agent, Nate Diaz embarked on a new chapter in his combat sports career by transitioning to professional boxing. This move allowed him to explore a different facet of fighting, leveraging his strong striking background honed through years of MMA competition.

Debut Against Jake Paul

Diaz made his professional boxing debut on August 5, 2023, against internet personality and boxer Jake Paul. The highly anticipated bout took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. After a competitive fight, Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision, with judges' scores of 98–91, 98–91, and 97–92.[87][88][89]

Masvidal Bout & Legal Action

On July 6, 2024, Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal in a 10-round light heavyweight boxing match at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Diaz secured a victory by majority decision.[90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98] Following this, Diaz initiated a lawsuit against Fanmio and its owner, Solomon Engel, alleging fraud and breach of contract, claiming he was only paid $1 million of a promised $10 million purse.[99]

Personal Life & Advocacy

Family and Community Ties

Nate Diaz shares a deep bond with his older brother, Nick Diaz, who is also a highly respected professional MMA fighter. Together, they have cultivated a strong presence in the combat sports world. Nate became a father in June 2018 with the birth of his daughter.[108] He remains actively involved in his hometown of Stockton, California, supporting young fighters and nurturing new talent. In recognition of his contributions and the attention he brought to the city, Diaz was presented with a key to Stockton by the mayor in December 2022.[111][112]

Cannabis Advocacy and Lifestyle

Both Nate and Nick Diaz are prominent advocates for cannabis, openly discussing its benefits and even launching their own licensed line of marijuana pre-rolls through California Finest.[100][101][102][103] They also founded Game Up Nutrition, a CBD company. Diaz has maintained a primarily vegan diet since the age of 18, though he occasionally consumes fish, classifying his diet as flexitarian.[105][106][107]

Public Incidents and Legal Matters

Diaz has been involved in several public altercations. In 2016, at the UFC 202 post-fight press conference, he smoked a CBD vape pen, which was a violation of USADA rules at the time, though CBD was later removed from the banned list.[70] In October 2022, he was removed from the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva boxing match due to a backstage brawl.[113] In April 2023, footage of Diaz choking a man unconscious in a street altercation led to a second-degree battery charge. He turned himself in and was released on bond, with his attorney asserting self-defense. The Orleans Parish later dropped the case, confirming his actions were in self-defense.[114][115][116][117] More recently, in August 2024, a misdemeanor battery charge was filed against Diaz for allegedly pushing a security guard at a nightclub.[118][119]

Championships & Awards

Ultimate Fighting Championship Honors

Nate Diaz's UFC career is decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting his exciting and effective fighting style. He is the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5 tournament. Diaz holds the distinction of having the third most post-fight bonuses in UFC history, with a total of 16.[120] His bonuses include:

UFC Statistical Records

Beyond individual fight bonuses, Nate Diaz has etched his name in UFC history with several impressive statistical records:

  • Tied for the fourth most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history (8).
  • Tied for the fourth most submission wins in the UFC Lightweight division history (7).[121]
  • Tied for the fifth most submissions in UFC history (10).[120]
  • Ranks fifth for the most total strikes landed in UFC history (2487).[120]
  • Tied for the fourth most submission attempts in UFC history (26).[120]

Other Recognitions

Diaz's impact extends beyond official UFC bonuses, earning recognition from various combat sports media outlets:

  • UFC.com Awards:
    • 2008: Ranked #9 Fighter of the Year, #7 Submission of the Year (vs. Kurt Pellegrino), #7 Fight of the Year (vs. Kurt Pellegrino), #8 Fight of the Year (vs. Josh Neer).[122][123][124][125]
    • 2011: Ranked #5 Submission of the Year (vs. Takanori Gomi), #6 Fight of the Year (vs. Donald Cerrone).[126][127]
    • 2012: Ranked #4 Submission of the Year (vs. Jim Miller).[128]
    • 2016: Ranked #5 Upset of the Year (vs. Conor McGregor 1), #2 Fight of the Year (vs. Conor McGregor 2).[129][130]
  • MMAJunkie.com:
    • 2016 March Fight of the Month (vs. Conor McGregor).[131]
    • 2016 August Fight of the Month (vs. Conor McGregor).[132]
    • 2019 November Fight of the Month (vs. Jorge Masvidal).[133]
  • Sherdog: 2011 All-Violence First Team.[134]
  • World MMA Awards: 2016 Submission of the Year (vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 196).[135]
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Feud of the Year (vs. Conor McGregor).[136]
  • Fight Matrix: 2019 Comeback Fighter of the Year.[137]

Professional Records

Mixed Martial Arts Overview

Nate Diaz's professional mixed martial arts career spans 34 matches, demonstrating his enduring presence and competitive spirit in the sport. His record reflects a balanced skill set, with a significant number of victories coming by submission.

Category Total Wins Losses
Total Matches 34 21 13
By Knockout 5 2
By Submission 12 1
By Decision 4 10

Detailed MMA Bouts

A chronological breakdown of Nate Diaz's professional MMA fights, including results, opponents, methods of victory or loss, and event details.

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 21–13 Tony Ferguson Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 279 September 10, 2022 4 2:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 20–13 Leon Edwards Decision (unanimous) UFC 263 June 12, 2021 5 5:00 Glendale, Arizona, United States
Loss 20–12 Jorge Masvidal TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 244 November 2, 2019 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States For the symbolic "BMF" title.
Win 20–11 Anthony Pettis Decision (unanimous) UFC 241 August 17, 2019 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 19–11 Conor McGregor Decision (majority) UFC 202 August 20, 2016 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 19–10 Conor McGregor Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 196 March 5, 2016 2 4:12 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight. Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win 18–10 Michael Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 December 19, 2015 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 17–10 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic December 13, 2014 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Catchweight (160.5 lb) bout; Diaz missed weight.
Win 17–9 Gray Maynard TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate Finale November 30, 2013 1 2:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 16–9 Josh Thomson TKO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 2 3:44 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 16–8 Benson Henderson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 2012 5 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 16–7 Jim Miller Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller May 5, 2012 2 4:09 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 15–7 Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) UFC 141 December 30, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 14–7 Takanori Gomi Submission (armbar) UFC 135 September 24, 2011 1 4:27 Denver, Colorado, United States Return to Lightweight. Submission of the Night.
Loss 13–7 Rory MacDonald Decision (unanimous) UFC 129 April 30, 2011 3 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Loss 13–6 Dong Hyun Kim Decision (unanimous) UFC 125 January 1, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–5 Marcus Davis Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 118 August 28, 2010 3 4:02 Boston, Massachusetts, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 12–5 Rory Markham TKO (punches) UFC 111 March 27, 2010 1 2:47 Newark, New Jersey, United States Return to Welterweight; Markham missed weight (177 lb).
Loss 11–5 Gray Maynard Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 11–4 Melvin Guillard Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard September 16, 2009 2 2:13 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 10–4 Joe Stevenson Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale June 20, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 10–3 Clay Guida Decision (split) UFC 94 January 31, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 10–2 Josh Neer Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer September 17, 2008 3 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 9–2 Kurt Pellegrino Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon April 2, 2008 2 3:06 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 8–2 Alvin Robinson Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Swick vs. Burkman January 23, 2008 1 3:39 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 7–2 Junior Assunção Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Thomas vs. Florian September 19, 2007 1 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–2 Manny Gamburyan TKO (shoulder injury) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Pulver vs. Team Penn Finale June 23, 2007 2 0:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament.
Loss 5–2 Hermes França Submission (armbar) WEC 24 October 12, 2006 2 2:46 Lemoore, California, United States For the WEC Lightweight Championship.
Win 5–1 Dennis Davis Submission (keylock) Warrior Cup 1 August 12, 2006 1 2:00 Stockton, California, United States Won the inaugural WC Lightweight Championship.
Win 4–1 Joe Hurley Submission (triangle choke) WEC 21 June 15, 2006 2 2:03 Highland, California, United States Catchweight (160 lb) bout.
Win 3–1 Gilbert Rael TKO (punches) WEC 20 May 5, 2006 1 3:35 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 2–1 Tony Juares TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie March 10, 2006 1 3:23 San Jose, California, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 1–1 Koji Oishi Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: 2005 Neo-Blood Tournament Finals August 27, 2005 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Welterweight debut.
Win 1–0 Alejandro Garcia Submission (triangle choke) WEC 12 October 21, 2004 3 2:17 Lemoore, California, United States Lightweight debut.

Professional Boxing Overview

Nate Diaz's foray into professional boxing includes two recorded fights, showcasing his adaptability across different combat disciplines.

Category Total Wins Losses
Total Fights 2 1 1
By Decision 1 1

Detailed Boxing Bouts

A detailed account of Nate Diaz's professional boxing matches, including outcomes, opponents, and event specifics.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
2 Win 1–1 Jorge Masvidal MD 10 Jul 6, 2024 Honda Center, Anaheim, California, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1 Jake Paul UD 10 Aug 5, 2023 American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Pay-Per-View Engagements

UFC Pay-Per-View Bouts

Nate Diaz has headlined or co-headlined several significant UFC pay-per-view events, contributing to some of the organization's highest-selling cards, particularly his two fights against Conor McGregor.

No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 196 McGregor vs. Diaz March 5, 2016 MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. 1,317,000[139]
2. UFC 202 Diaz vs. McGregor 2 August 20, 2016 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. 1,650,000[140]
3. UFC 244 Masvidal vs Diaz November 2, 2019 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York U.S. Not Disclosed[141]
4. UFC 279 Diaz vs Ferguson September 10, 2022 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada U.S. Not Disclosed[142]

Boxing Pay-Per-View Bouts

Diaz's boxing debut against Jake Paul also garnered significant pay-per-view attention, marking his entry into the lucrative world of boxing PPV events.

No. Date Fight Billing Buys Network Revenue
1 August 5, 2023 Paul vs. Diaz Ready 4 War 450,000 DAZN / ESPN+ $27,000,000

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