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 best known for his 15-year career in the UFC, winning The Ultimate Fighter 5. Before the UFC, he competed in World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase. Diaz holds the third-most UFC bonus awards with 16 and challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2012.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: WEC Lightweight Championship Fight

In 2006, Nate Diaz competed for the WEC Lightweight Championship at WEC 24 against Hermes França, losing by submission in the second round. This event was the last one held by WEC before its acquisition by Zuffa, LLC.

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

On January 11, 2010, Nate Diaz faced Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 20, losing by a controversial split decision despite FightMetric reports indicating Diaz won rounds two and three.

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

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

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

On April 30, 2011, at UFC 129, Nate Diaz fought Rory MacDonald and lost via unanimous decision, leading Diaz to announce his return to the lightweight division.

December 8, 2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Loss to Benson Henderson

On December 8, 2012, Nate Diaz faced Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 5 for the UFC Lightweight Championship, losing via unanimous decision, three weeks after signing 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 UFC career.

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

On April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7, Nate Diaz lost to Josh Thomson via TKO, during which his brother Nick Diaz threw a towel into the octagon in an attempt to stop the fight.

May 16, 2013: UFC Suspension for Homophobic Slur

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: Loss to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13

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

November 2, 2019: Loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 for "BMF" Belt

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

April 2023: Diaz Involved in Street Altercation

In April 2023, Nate Diaz was involved in an altercation in the street, footage emerged showing him choking a man unconscious. He turned himself in to the New Orleans Police Department on April 27, 2023, facing a second-degree battery charge. He was later released on a $10,000 bond.

August 5, 2023: Boxing Match Against Jake Paul

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

August 24, 2024: Diaz Allegedly Pushes Security Guard

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