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.

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

January 23, 2008: UFC Fight Night 12 Win

On January 23, 2008, Nate Diaz faced Alvin Robinson at UFC Fight Night 12. Diaz 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. Diaz won the fight by TKO in the first round after the fight was changed to a catchweight fight when Markham weighed in heavy.

August 28, 2010: UFC 118 Win Against Marcus Davis

On August 28, 2010, at UFC 118, Nate Diaz fought Marcus Davis and won by guillotine choke submission. The bout earned them $60,000 Fight of the Night honors.

September 24, 2011: UFC 135 Win Against Takanori Gomi

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

May 5, 2012: UFC on Fox 3 Win Against Jim Miller

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

November 30, 2013: The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale Win

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

December 19, 2015: UFC on Fox 17 Win and McGregor Callout

On December 19, 2015, Nate Diaz returned to face Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17, winning via unanimous decision. After the fight, Diaz gave an infamous post-fight interview calling out Conor McGregor. Both fighters were awarded $50,000 Fight of the Night honors.

March 5, 2016: UFC 196 Win Against Conor McGregor

On March 5, 2016, Nate Diaz replaced an injured Rafael dos Anjos to face Conor McGregor at UFC 196. Diaz won the fight via submission in the second round and was awarded Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses totalling $100,000.

September 10, 2022: UFC 279 Win Against Tony Ferguson

On September 10, 2022, at UFC 279, Nate Diaz faced Tony Ferguson, winning via guillotine choke submission in the fourth round, earning his second Performance of the Night bonus. Diaz became a free agent after opting not to re-sign with the UFC.

December 2022: Key to the City Presentation

In December 2022, Nate Diaz was presented with a key to the city of Stockton by the mayor during a Stockton Kings basketball game, as a result of the attention he had brought to the city.