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 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

January 23, 2008: UFC Fight Night 12 Win

On January 23, 2008, Nate Diaz faced Alvin Robinson at UFC Fight Night 12 and won, earning 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, winning the fight by TKO in the first round after a catchweight adjustment due to Markham's weight.

August 28, 2010: Victory Over Marcus Davis at UFC 118

On August 28, 2010, at UFC 118, Nate Diaz defeated Marcus Davis by guillotine choke submission in the final round, earning Fight of the Night honors and a $60,000 bonus.

September 24, 2011: Victory Over Takanori Gomi at UFC 135

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

May 5, 2012: Victory Over Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3

On May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox 3, Nate Diaz defeated Jim Miller via rolling guillotine choke, earning a $65,000 Submission of the Night bonus and marking the first time Miller had been stopped in his MMA career.

November 30, 2013: Victory Over Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale

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

December 19, 2015: Victory Over Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17

On December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17, Nate Diaz defeated Michael Johnson via unanimous decision and delivered an infamous post-fight interview, calling out Conor McGregor. Both participants earned $50,000 Fight of the Night honors.

March 5, 2016: Victory Over Conor McGregor at UFC 196

On March 5, 2016, Nate Diaz, as a replacement for an injured Rafael dos Anjos, defeated Conor McGregor via submission at UFC 196. Diaz was awarded Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses totalling $100,000.

September 10, 2022: Victory Over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279

On September 10, 2022, Nate Diaz defeated Tony Ferguson via guillotine choke submission at UFC 279, earning a Performance of the Night bonus in his last fight of his UFC contract before becoming a free agent.

December 2022: Key to the City of Stockton Presentation

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 Drops Case Against Diaz

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