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, after 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 a total of 16. In 2012, he challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship.
2006: WEC Lightweight Championship Fight
In 2006, Nate Diaz fought for the WEC Lightweight Championship against Hermes França at WEC 24, losing by submission in the second round.
January 11, 2010: Loss to Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 20
On January 11, 2010, Nate Diaz faced Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 20, losing a controversial split decision.
January 1, 2011: Loss to Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 125
On January 1, 2011, Nate Diaz lost to Dong Hyun Kim via unanimous decision at UFC 125.
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 return to the lightweight division.
December 8, 2012: UFC Lightweight Championship Fight Against 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.
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 via TKO at UFC on Fox 7.
May 16, 2013: UFC Suspension
On May 16, 2013, Nate Diaz was suspended by the UFC for violating the UFC's code of conduct. He was suspended for 90 days and fined $20,000.
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 due to inactivity.
December 13, 2014: Loss to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13
On December 13, 2014, Nate Diaz lost to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13 via unanimous decision after missing weight.
July 11, 2015: Welterweight Bout with Matt Brown Scrapped
On July 11, 2015, Nate Diaz was briefly linked to a welterweight bout with Matt Brown at UFC 189, but the pairing was scrapped in mid-April.
October 9, 2018: Poirier Pulls Out Due to Injury
On October 9, 2018, it was announced that Dustin Poirier pulled out of the bout against Nate Diaz due to injury, resulting in the cancellation of the fight.
November 2, 2019: BMF Title Fight
On November 2, 2019, Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 for the "baddest motherfucker" (BMF) belt, losing via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage.
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.
April 2023: Involved in Street Altercation
In April 2023, footage emerged of Nate Diaz getting involved in an altercation in the street that ended with him choking a man unconscious. Diaz was issued a warrant.
August 5, 2023: Boxing Debut
On August 5, 2023, Nate Diaz fought Jake Paul in his professional boxing debut and was defeated via unanimous decision.
August 24, 2024: Alleged Altercation at Nightclub
On August 24, 2024, Nate Diaz was allegedly involved in an altercation with a security guard at Omnia nightclub, facing a misdemeanor battery charge.
