Challenges in the Life of Nate Diaz in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Nate Diaz's life and career.

Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer, currently a free agent. He is widely recognized for his long tenure in the UFC, spanning over 15 years, after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5. Before joining the UFC, Diaz competed in other organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase. He holds the third-highest number of UFC bonus awards, totaling 16. In 2012, Diaz competed for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: WEC Lightweight Championship Fight

In 2006, Nate Diaz fought Hermes França for the WEC Lightweight Championship at WEC 24, losing by submission in the second round.

January 11, 2010: UFC Fight Night 20 Loss to Gray Maynard

On January 11, 2010, Nate Diaz lost a controversial split decision to Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 20.

January 1, 2011: Loss to Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 125

On January 1, 2011, Nate Diaz faced Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 125 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

April 30, 2011: Loss to Rory MacDonald at UFC 129

On April 30, 2011, Nate Diaz fought Rory MacDonald at UFC 129 and lost via unanimous decision, after which he announced his move back to the lightweight division.

December 8, 2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Fight Against Benson Henderson

On December 8, 2012, Nate Diaz faced Benson Henderson for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC on Fox 5, losing via unanimous decision after signing an eight-fight contract with UFC three weeks prior.

2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Challenge

In 2012, Nate Diaz challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

April 20, 2013: Loss to Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 7

On April 20, 2013, Nate Diaz lost to Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 7 via TKO, with his brother Nick Diaz attempting to stop the fight.

May 5, 2014: Removal from UFC Lightweight Rankings

On May 5, 2014, Nate Diaz and T. J. Grant were removed from the UFC's lightweight rankings due to inactivity.

December 13, 2014: Loss to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13

On December 13, 2014, Nate Diaz returned from hiatus to face Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13, missing weight and losing via unanimous decision.

November 2, 2019: Loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244

On November 2, 2019, Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 for the 'BMF' belt, losing via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage.

April 2023: Street Altercation and Arrest

In April 2023, Nate Diaz was involved in a street altercation where he choked a man unconscious. Following this, a warrant was issued, and Diaz turned himself in to the New Orleans Police Department on April 27, 2023, facing a second-degree battery charge. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

August 5, 2023: Boxing Match Loss to Jake Paul

On August 5, 2023, Nate Diaz lost to Jake Paul via unanimous decision at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

September 25, 2023: Case Dismissal

On September 25, 2023, it was reported that the Orleans Parish would not pursue the battery case against Nate Diaz, determining his actions were in self-defense.

August 24, 2024: Nightclub Altercation

On August 24, 2024, Nate Diaz was allegedly involved in an altercation at Omnia nightclub at Caesars Palace, where he pushed a security guard in the face. A misdemeanor battery charge was subsequently filed against him in October.