Nate Diaz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Nate Diaz. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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 23, 2008: $40,000 Submission of the Night award at UFC Fight Night 12

On January 23, 2008, Nate Diaz faced Alvin Robinson at UFC Fight Night 12 and earned a $40,000 Submission of the Night award.

March 27, 2010: Welterweight Debut at UFC 111

On March 27, 2010, Nate Diaz made his Welterweight debut at UFC 111 against Rory Markham. Markham missed weight, resulting in a catchweight fight. Diaz won the fight by TKO in the first round.

August 28, 2010: UFC 118 Fight vs. Marcus Davis

On August 28, 2010, Nate Diaz fought Marcus Davis at UFC 118, finishing him with a guillotine choke submission in the final round. The bout earned them $60,000 Fight of the Night honors.

September 24, 2011: UFC 135 Fight vs. Takanori Gomi

On September 24, 2011, Nate Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 via armbar submission in the first round, earning a $75,000 Submission of the Night award.

May 5, 2012: UFC on Fox 3 Fight vs. Jim Miller

On May 5, 2012, Nate Diaz fought Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3, winning by rolling guillotine choke in the second round. He earned his fifth Submission of the Night bonus award valued at $65,000. It was the first time Jim Miller had been stopped in his MMA career.

November 30, 2013: The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale Fight vs. Gray Maynard

On November 30, 2013, Nate Diaz fought Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale, winning via TKO in the first round and earning his first Knockout of the Night bonus.

December 19, 2015: UFC on Fox 17 Fight vs. Michael Johnson

On December 19, 2015, Nate Diaz faced Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17, winning via unanimous decision. He then gave a memorable post-fight interview calling out Conor McGregor. Both fighters earned $50,000 Fight of the Night honors.

March 5, 2016: UFC 196 Fight vs. Conor McGregor

On March 5, 2016, Nate Diaz replaced Rafael dos Anjos to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 196 at welterweight. Diaz won via submission in the second round. He earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses totaling $100,000.

September 10, 2022: UFC 279 Fight vs Tony Ferguson

On September 10, 2022, Nate Diaz faced Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, winning the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round. This win earned Diaz his second Performance of the Night bonus award and marked the end of his UFC contract, making him a free agent.

December 2022: Key to the City of Stockton

In December 2022, Nate Diaz was presented with a key to the city by the mayor during a Stockton Kings basketball game for bringing attention to the city of Stockton.

September 25, 2023: Orleans Parish declines to prosecute Diaz

On September 25, 2023, it was reported that the Orleans Parish decided not to pursue the battery case against Nate Diaz, determining that his actions were in self-defense, based on video evidence and witness accounts.