Challenges in the Life of Nate Diaz in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2026

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

Nathan Donald Diaz is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer, currently a free agent, best known for his 15+ year tenure in the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5. Before the UFC, he competed in World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase. Diaz holds the third-highest number of UFC bonus awards with 16. In 2012, he challenged 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. Diaz lost the fight by submission in the second round.

January 11, 2010: UFC Fight Night 20 Loss

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

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

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

April 30, 2011: UFC 129 Loss to Rory MacDonald

On April 30, 2011, at UFC 129, Nate Diaz fought Rory MacDonald, losing via unanimous decision. Following the loss, Diaz announced he would move back down to the lightweight division.

December 8, 2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Fight Loss

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

2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Challenge

In 2012, Nate Diaz challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship, marking a significant milestone in his career.

April 20, 2013: UFC on Fox 7 Loss

On April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7, Nate Diaz lost to Josh Thomson via TKO due to a head kick and punches. Nick Diaz threw a towel into the octagon to stop the fight.

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: Removed From UFC Lightweight Rankings

On May 5, 2014, Nate Diaz and T. J. Grant were removed from the UFC's lightweight rankings after being deemed inactive by the UFC.

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

On December 13, 2014, Nate Diaz returned from a hiatus to face Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13. Diaz lost the fight via unanimous decision after missing weight and being fined 20 percent of his purse.

July 9, 2016: McGregor Rematch Scheduled and Canceled

On July 9, 2016, Nate Diaz was originally scheduled to have a rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 200. However, the fight was canceled after McGregor failed to fulfill media obligations. The fight was later rescheduled.

October 9, 2018: Poirier Fight Canceled

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

November 2, 2019: "BMF" Belt Fight

On November 2, 2019, Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 for the celebratory "baddest motherfucker" ('BMF') belt. Diaz lost the fight via TKO between rounds three and four due to a doctor's stoppage.

August 5, 2023: Boxing Debut Against 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.