Who Is Nate Diaz?

Nate Diaz is a professional mixed martial artist and boxer from Stockton, California, who became one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in UFC history. Born Nathan Donald Diaz on April 16, 1985, he competed in the UFC for over 15 years after winning Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Known for his exceptional boxing, iron chin, and relentless pace, Diaz built a reputation as a fighter who never backed down from anyone.

Diaz is famous for his "Stockton slap" — a quick, open-palm strike he uses to taunt opponents — and his laid-back, unfiltered personality outside the cage. He often speaks his mind, showing little interest in promoting fights the traditional way. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, he became one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in the sport's history.

His rivalry with Conor McGregor in 2016 catapulted him to global superstardom. Diaz submitted McGregor in their first fight, handing the Irish superstar his first UFC loss, and then lost a narrow majority decision in their highly anticipated rematch. These fights remain among the biggest and most memorable in MMA history.

Beyond his fame, Diaz holds the third-most post-fight bonus awards in UFC history with 16 total, a testament to his always-entertaining fighting style. He challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2012 and competed against some of the toughest fighters of his generation across two weight classes.

After leaving the UFC in 2022, Diaz has continued competing in professional boxing and remains a free agent in MMA, with fans eagerly awaiting his next move.

Key Facts About Nate Diaz

Full name: Nathan Donald Diaz, born April 16, 1985, in Stockton, California
He is of Mexican and Anglo heritage and grew up with his older brother Nick Diaz, also a famous MMA fighter
Diaz won The Ultimate Fighter 5 in 2007, earning his UFC contract
He holds 16 UFC post-fight bonus awards, the third most in company history
Diaz submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016, one of the biggest upsets in MMA history
He challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship against Benson Henderson in 2012
Diaz is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Cesar Gracie
He set a CompuStrike record by landing 82% of strikes thrown against Donald Cerrone
His signature strikes include the "Stockton slap" and a precise 1-2 boxing combination
Diaz competed in both the lightweight (155 lb) and welterweight (170 lb) divisions
He fought professionally for over 20 years, from 2004 to present
Diaz has notable wins over McGregor, Jim Miller, Donald Cerrone, Takanori Gomi, and Gray Maynard

Early Life and Background

Nate Diaz was born to Robert Diaz and Melissa Womble and raised in Stockton, California, alongside his brother Nick and sister Nina. The family later moved to nearby Lodi, where Nate attended Tokay High School. Growing up in Stockton — a city known for its tough streets and gang activity — shaped Diaz's gritty, no-nonsense approach to life and fighting.

At just 11 years old, Nate began training martial arts with his older brother Nick, who was already deeply involved in combat sports. The brothers trained together constantly, developing a unique fighting style built on volume boxing, relentless pressure, and slick submission grappling. Their early training was raw and intense, often involving real fights and minimal protective gear.

Before his official MMA career began, Diaz competed in a bare-knuckle fight at age 17 against Robert Limon in July 2002. Footage of this unsanctioned bout later surfaced online and is considered his first competitive fighting experience. It showed the toughness and willingness to fight that would define his entire career.

Diaz's Mexican heritage on his father's side and Anglo heritage on his mother's side gave him a diverse cultural background. He has always proudly represented Stockton, often shouting out his hometown during interviews and wearing clothing that pays tribute to the city. The "Stockton" identity became a core part of his brand and fighting persona.

His brother Nick, who is four years older, was already making waves in MMA when Nate began his career. Nick's success and fighting style heavily influenced Nate, and the two have remained incredibly close throughout their lives, training together and supporting each other's careers.

Early MMA Career

Nate Diaz made his official professional MMA debut in 2004, competing primarily for World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC). He quickly established himself as a promising prospect with his aggressive boxing and dangerous submissions. His early fights showcased the skills he had honed with his brother for years.

In 2006, Diaz received his first major title opportunity when he fought Hermes França for the WEC Lightweight Championship at WEC 24. Despite a strong effort, Diaz lost via submission in the second round. This event turned out to be historically significant — it was the last WEC event before the organization was acquired by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC.

Diaz also competed in other organizations during this period, including Strikeforce and Pancrase, gaining valuable experience against diverse opponents. These early fights helped him develop the well-rounded game that would serve him well in the UFC. He showed particular promise in his grappling, often finishing fights with submissions.

His performances caught the attention of UFC matchmakers, and in 2007, Diaz was selected to compete on Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter. This reality show, which exclusively featured lightweight fighters, was his ticket to the big show. He joined the cast as one of the younger and less experienced competitors but quickly proved he belonged.

Diaz's early career established the template for his fighting style: pressure boxing, relentless cardio, and opportunistic submissions. He was never the biggest or strongest fighter, but his toughness and skill made him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Arrival

Nate Diaz entered The Ultimate Fighter 5 as a relatively unknown prospect, fighting on Jens Pulver's team. The season featured some of the best lightweights in the world, including future UFC champions and contenders. Diaz immediately made an impression with his confident attitude and impressive skills.

In the preliminary round, Diaz defeated Rob Emerson by submission. He then faced his own teammate Corey Hill in the quarterfinals, winning via triangle choke in the first round. The semifinals presented a tougher challenge: a rematch with Gray Maynard, who had defeated Diaz in their first meeting. Diaz avenged that loss with another submission victory to advance to the finals.

The finale saw Diaz face fellow Team Pulver member Manvel Gamburyan. In a bizarre and memorable finish, Gamburyan dislocated his shoulder while attempting a takedown and was forced to tap out. Diaz won The Ultimate Fighter 5 and earned a UFC contract, along with a $50,000 bonus for the finish.

Diaz's UFC career began in earnest in 2008. He submitted Alvin Robinson at UFC Fight Night 12, earning a $40,000 Submission of the Night bonus. After another submission win over Junior Assunção, Diaz demanded tougher competition and was given a fight with Kurt Pellegrino at UFC Fight Night 13.

Against Pellegrino, Diaz delivered one of the most iconic moments of his early career. He locked in a triangle choke and, before Pellegrino tapped, flexed for the crowd and threw up double middle fingers. The image became famous and perfectly captured Diaz's rebellious, unapologetic personality. He won via submission and earned a Fight of the Night bonus.

Rise Through the Lightweight Ranks

Following his impressive start, Diaz continued climbing the lightweight ladder. He defeated veteran Josh Neer by split decision in the main event of UFC Fight Night 15, showcasing his improving striking and cardio. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night bonus and established him as a rising contender.

Diaz's first UFC loss came against Clay Guida at UFC 94 in January 2009. Guida used relentless wrestling to control the fight and won a split decision. Despite the loss, the fight was highly entertaining and earned both fighters a $65,000 Fight of the Night bonus. It was Diaz's pay-per-view debut and a learning experience against a tough, grinding opponent.

Diaz then faced fellow Ultimate Fighter winner Joe Stevenson at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale. Stevenson's wrestling proved too much, and Diaz lost a unanimous decision. With two consecutive losses, Diaz's momentum had stalled, and questions arose about his future in the sport.

Needing a win, Diaz headlined UFC Fight Night 19 against Melvin Guillard. He responded with a spectacular guillotine choke submission in the second round, reminding everyone of his dangerous grappling. The win earned him another Fight of the Night bonus and got his career back on track.

In January 2010, Diaz faced Gray Maynard in a rematch of their TUF 5 semifinal. The fight was extremely close and controversial, with Diaz appearing to win rounds two and three according to FightMetric statistics. However, the judges awarded Maynard a split decision victory. The loss was frustrating for Diaz, who felt he had done enough to win.

Move to Welterweight and Memorable Fights

After three losses in four fights at lightweight, Diaz decided to move up to the 170-pound welterweight division. He cited the difficulty of cutting weight and the financial realities of fighting at 155 pounds. The move would revitalize his career and lead to some of his most memorable performances.

Diaz made his welterweight debut at UFC 111 against striking specialist Rory Markham. Markham missed weight badly, coming in at 177 pounds, so the fight was changed to a catchweight. It didn't matter — Diaz dominated and won by TKO in the first round, showcasing his improved boxing against a bigger opponent.

His next fight was against former professional boxer Marcus Davis at UFC 118. In a striking-heavy battle, Diaz choked Davis unconscious with a guillotine in the final round. The dramatic finish earned both fighters a $60,000 Fight of the Night bonus and further cemented Diaz's reputation as an exciting finisher.

Diaz's welterweight run hit a snag when he lost a unanimous decision to South Korean fighter Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 125. He then faced rising star Rory MacDonald at UFC 129, losing another unanimous decision in a fight where he struggled to find his rhythm. These losses convinced Diaz to return to the lightweight division.

Back at 155 pounds, Diaz looked better than ever. He submitted former PRIDE Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi with an armbar in the first round at UFC 135, earning a $75,000 Submission of the Night bonus. The win announced his return to lightweight contention in emphatic fashion.

The Cerrone Fight and Championship Opportunity

At UFC 141 in December 2011, Diaz faced Donald Cerrone in what would become one of the best performances of his career. Cerrone, known for his devastating kicks, knocked Diaz off his feet multiple times with sweeping leg kicks. But Diaz showed incredible toughness and adapted, using his superior boxing to out-strike Cerrone over three rounds.

Diaz won a unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) and set a CompuStrike record by landing 82% of the strikes he threw. The fight earned both men $75,000 Fight of the Night bonuses and established Diaz as a legitimate title contender. His performance against a dangerous striker like Cerrone silenced many of his critics.

Before his next fight, Diaz received his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from Cesar Gracie, the renowned instructor who had trained him and his brother for years. The promotion came just a month before Diaz faced fellow black belt Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 in May 2012.

Against Miller, Diaz delivered a masterclass in boxing and grappling. He dropped Miller with a straight left at the end of the first round and then, in the second round, countered a takedown attempt with a rolling guillotine choke. Miller was forced to tap at 4:09 of round two — the first stoppage loss of his career. Diaz earned his fifth Submission of the Night bonus, worth $65,000.

This dominant victory earned Diaz a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship against Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 5 in December 2012. Three weeks before the fight, Diaz signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC, showing his commitment to the organization. However, the championship bout did not go his way.

Championship Fight and Career Struggles

Diaz faced Benson Henderson for the UFC Lightweight Championship on December 8, 2012. Henderson, known for his incredible cardio and well-rounded game, controlled the fight from start to finish. Diaz lost a one-sided unanimous decision, failing to capture the title that had eluded him throughout his career.

The loss was a significant setback, but Diaz remained a popular and dangerous fighter. His next fight came against former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 7 in April 2013. In a shocking moment, Diaz was knocked out by a head kick and follow-up punches in the second round.

During the fight, Diaz's brother Nick threw a towel into the octagon in an attempt to stop the bout. The gesture was controversial but showed the deep bond between the brothers. It was the first time Nate had been stopped by strikes in his UFC career, and it raised questions about his future.

In May 2013, Diaz was suspended by the UFC for violating the organization's code of conduct. He had used a homophobic slur on his Twitter page, leading to a 90-day suspension and a $20,000 fine. The incident was a rare public relations misstep for Diaz, who was known for speaking his mind without filter.

Diaz returned to action in November 2013 for a rubber match with Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. This time, Diaz left no doubt, winning by TKO in the first round. The stoppage earned him his first Knockout of the Night bonus and showed that he still had plenty of fight left in him.

The Conor McGregor Rivalry

After a series of inconsistent performances and long layoffs, Diaz's career took an unexpected turn in 2016. He accepted a short-notice fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 196, replacing an injured Rafael dos Anjos. McGregor was moving up from featherweight to welterweight, and few gave Diaz a chance against the Irish superstar.

The fight was a cultural phenomenon. McGregor, at the peak of his fame, was expected to dominate. But Diaz, fighting at a significant size disadvantage, showed his incredible toughness and boxing skills. After absorbing heavy punishment in the first round, Diaz rallied in the second, stunning McGregor with a 1-2 combination and then locking in a rear-naked choke.

McGregor tapped out at 4:12 of the second round, handing him his first UFC loss and producing one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. The image of Diaz celebrating while McGregor tapped became iconic. Diaz had cemented his legacy as a fighter who thrived against the odds.

The rematch at UFC 202 in August 2016 was one of the biggest fights in UFC history. McGregor came out aggressive and won the early rounds with his precision striking. Diaz, as always, showed incredible durability and rallied in the later rounds, nearly finishing McGregor in the final frame. In the end, McGregor won a narrow majority decision (48–47, 47–47, 48–47).

The two fights shattered pay-per-view records and made Diaz a global superstar. His post-fight interviews, where he casually dismissed the magnitude of the moment, endeared him to fans worldwide. The rivalry with McGregor remains one of the most celebrated in MMA history, and fans have long hoped for a trilogy fight.

Later UFC Career and Departure

Following the McGregor fights, Diaz took another extended layoff from the sport. He returned in August 2019 to face former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. In a back-and-forth battle, Diaz won a unanimous decision, showing that even after years away, he remained a top-level fighter.

Diaz's final UFC fight came against Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June 2021. Edwards, a rising contender, controlled much of the fight with his wrestling and striking. However, in the final round, Diaz rocked Edwards with a flurry of punches, nearly finishing him. Though Diaz lost a unanimous decision, his late rally reminded everyone of his never-say-die spirit.

After the Edwards fight, Diaz had one fight remaining on his UFC contract. He was expected to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 in September 2022, but Chimaev missed weight badly, and the fight was scrapped. Instead, Diaz faced Tony Ferguson in the main event, winning via guillotine choke in the fourth round.

The win over Ferguson was a triumphant final UFC performance. Diaz submitted Ferguson in spectacular fashion, then celebrated by smoking a cannabis joint in the octagon during his post-fight interview. It was a fittingly rebellious end to his UFC career.

Diaz became a free agent after the fight and has since pursued other opportunities, including professional boxing. He fought Jake Paul in a boxing match in August 2023, losing a unanimous decision but showing competitive moments. Fans continue to speculate about his next MMA move.

Fighting Style and Legacy

Nate Diaz's fighting style is unique and instantly recognizable. He is primarily a boxer, using a high-volume, pressure-based approach with a precise 1-2 combination. His boxing is unorthodox but effective, with his hands held low and his chin protected by constant movement and head movement.

Diaz's cardio is legendary. He maintains a relentless pace that wears down opponents over time, often winning fights in the later rounds when others fade. His ability to absorb punishment and keep coming forward is perhaps his greatest asset. He has been knocked down multiple times but has never been knocked out in the UFC.

On the ground, Diaz is a slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. He holds a black belt under Cesar Gracie and has submitted numerous high-level opponents. His guillotine choke is particularly dangerous, and he has finished multiple fights with it, including against McGregor and Jim Miller.

Diaz's "Stockton slap" — a quick, open-palm strike — has become his signature taunt. He uses it to disrespect opponents and get inside their heads. Combined with his constant trash talk during fights, Diaz is a master of psychological warfare.

His legacy extends beyond his fighting skills. Diaz represents authenticity in a sport increasingly dominated by manufactured personas. He never changed who he was for fame or money, and fans respect that genuine quality. His fights with McGregor brought MMA to a broader audience and remain cultural touchstones.

Why Nate Diaz Matters

Nate Diaz matters because he represents the heart and soul of mixed martial arts. In a sport where athletes often carefully craft their public images, Diaz has always been unapologetically himself. He fights with genuine emotion and intensity, making his bouts must-watch events regardless of his opponent or the stakes.

His victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 196 was a defining moment for the sport. It proved that in MMA, anything can happen, and that heart and durability can overcome even the most celebrated skills. The fight introduced Diaz to a massive global audience and cemented his place in MMA history.

Diaz's longevity is also remarkable. He competed at the highest level for over 15 years, facing some of the toughest fighters of his generation across two weight classes. His willingness to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere earned him respect from fans and fellow fighters alike.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Diaz has become a cultural icon. His laid-back California attitude, his refusal to conform, and his loyalty to his brother and his roots have made him a beloved figure far beyond the MMA community. He has inspired a generation of fighters who value authenticity over image.

As Diaz continues his career in boxing and potentially other ventures, his legacy is secure. He is one of the most important and influential fighters in UFC history — a true original who did things his own way and became a legend in the process.

Nate Diaz: The Stockton Bad Boy of MMA