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 widely recognized for his long tenure in the UFC, spanning over 15 years, after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5. Before joining the UFC, Diaz competed in other organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase. He holds the third-highest number of UFC bonus awards, totaling 16. In 2012, Diaz competed 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, 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 by TKO in the first round after Markham missed weight.

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

On August 28, 2010, at UFC 118, Nate Diaz defeated Marcus Davis via guillotine choke submission, earning Fight of the Night honors.

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

On September 24, 2011, Nate Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 via armbar submission, 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, Nate Diaz defeated Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 via a rolling guillotine choke, earning his fifth Submission of the Night bonus award worth $65,000.

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, Nate Diaz defeated Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17 via unanimous decision, followed by an infamous post-fight interview calling out Conor McGregor, earning Fight of the Night honors.

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

On March 5, 2016, Nate Diaz replaced an injured Rafael dos Anjos and defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 196 via submission in the second round, earning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses.

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 his second Performance of the Night bonus award after his original opponent Khamzat Chimaev missed weight; this marked the end of Diaz's UFC contract and him becoming 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 of Stockton during a Stockton Kings basketball game, recognizing his contributions to the city.

September 25, 2023: Case Dismissal

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