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, an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer currently a free agent, is renowned for his 15+ year tenure in the UFC. A victor of The Ultimate Fighter 5, he also competed in WEC, Strikeforce, and Pancrase before joining the UFC. Diaz holds the third-highest number of UFC bonus awards (16) and challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2012, solidifying his status as a notable figure in mixed martial arts.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 11, 2010: UFC Fight Night 20 Main Event vs. Gray Maynard

On January 11, 2010, Nate Diaz faced Gray Maynard in the main event at UFC Fight Night 20. Diaz lost a controversial split decision despite winning rounds two and three according to FightMetric reports.

January 1, 2011: UFC 125 Fight vs. Dong Hyun Kim

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

April 30, 2011: UFC 129 Fight vs. Rory MacDonald

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

December 8, 2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Fight vs. Benson Henderson

On December 8, 2012, Nate Diaz faced Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 5 for the UFC Lightweight Championship and lost via unanimous decision. Three weeks prior, Diaz signed an eight-fight contract with UFC.

April 20, 2013: UFC on Fox 7 Fight vs. Josh Thomson

On April 20, 2013, Nate Diaz fought Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 7 and lost via TKO. During the fight, Nate's brother, Nick Diaz, threw a towel into the octagon.

May 16, 2013: UFC Suspension

On May 16, 2013, Nate Diaz was suspended by the UFC for 90 days and fined $20,000 for violating the UFC's code of conduct by using a homophobic slur on his Twitter page.

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: UFC on Fox 13 Fight vs. Rafael Dos Anjos

On December 13, 2014, Nate Diaz faced Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13. Diaz missed weight and lost the fight via unanimous decision, also being fined 20 percent of his purse.

October 9, 2018: Poirier Fight Canceled Due to Injury

On October 9, 2018, it was announced that Dustin Poirier pulled out of the fight against Nate Diaz due to injury, resulting in the cancellation of the bout.

November 2, 2019: UFC 244 Fight vs. Jorge Masvidal

On November 2, 2019, Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 244 for the 'BMF' belt. Diaz lost the fight via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage between rounds three and four because of a cut over his right eye.

October 2022: Backstage Brawl at Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva Boxing Match

In October 2022, Nate Diaz was involved in a brawl backstage at the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva boxing match and was removed from the event as a result.

April 2023: Diaz involved in street altercation

In April 2023, footage emerged of Nate Diaz in a street altercation, resulting in him choking a man unconscious. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He turned himself in to the New Orleans Police Department on April 27 and faced a second-degree battery charge. He was later released on a $10,000 bond.

August 5, 2023: Boxing Debut vs. Jake Paul

On August 5, 2023, Nate Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision.

August 24, 2024: Altercation at Omnia nightclub

On August 24, 2024, Nate Diaz was allegedly involved in an altercation at the Omnia nightclub at Caesars Palace, where he reportedly pushed a security guard in the face. A misdemeanor battery charge was filed against him in October, potentially leading to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.