Career Timeline of Nick Diaz: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Nick Diaz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Nick Diaz is an American professional mixed martial artist and boxer, primarily known for his career in the UFC, where he competed in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. A former champion in Strikeforce, WEC, and IFC, Diaz is also a UFC title challenger. He has fought in other organizations like PRIDE, EliteXC, DREAM, and Shooto. Alongside his younger brother, Nate Diaz, they are considered influential figures in MMA. Diaz is known for his distinctive fighting style and outspoken personality.
2001: Diaz Turns Professional
In 2001, Nick Diaz became a professional mixed martial arts fighter just after his 18th birthday and won his first fight by submitting Mike Wick.
July 2002: Wins IFC Welterweight Championship
In July 2002, Nick Diaz won his second professional fight, defeating Chris Lytle for the IFC Welterweight Championship.
2003: Wins WEC Welterweight Championship
In 2003, Nick Diaz defended his IFC Welterweight Championship and also won the WEC Welterweight Championship at WEC 6, submitting Joe Hurley.
2004: US Purple Belt Open Win
In 2004, Nick Diaz won the US Purple Belt Open in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
April 2005: Professional Boxing Debut
In April 2005, Nick Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Alfonso Rocha in Sacramento, California, winning by unanimous decision after four rounds.
2005: Pan-American Brown Belt Title
In 2005, Nick Diaz won a Pan-American Brown Belt Medium Weight Division title in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
January 2007: Diaz Leaves the UFC
In January 2007, despite reassurance from the UFC, Nick Diaz decided to sign with the Gracie Fighting Championships and leave the UFC, although a scheduled fight for GFC was later scrapped.
May 8, 2007: Nick Diaz Receives Black Belt in BJJ
On May 8, 2007, Nick Diaz was promoted to black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by Cesar Gracie.
September 15, 2007: EliteXC Debut
On September 15, 2007, Nick Diaz made his debut for EliteXC in Hawaii, winning a split decision over Mike Aina.
2007: Rematch with K.J. Noons
In 2007, Nick Diaz had a rematch with K.J. Noons for the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship, winning via unanimous decision.
October 4, 2008: K. J. Noons Refuses Rematch
On October 4, 2008, K. J. Noons refused a rematch with Nick Diaz.
November 8, 2008: EliteXC Ceases Operations
On November 8, 2008, Nick Diaz was scheduled to face Eddie Alvarez for the EliteXC 160 pound title before the company ceased operations.
April 11, 2009: Defeats Frank Shamrock
On April 11, 2009, Nick Diaz defeated Frank Shamrock via TKO at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz.
January 30, 2010: Wins Strikeforce Welterweight Championship
On January 30, 2010, Nick Diaz defeated Marius Žaromskis at Strikeforce: Miami to become the first Strikeforce Welterweight Champion.
April 17, 2010: Strikeforce Brawl
On April 17, 2010, after Jake Shields's victory at Strikeforce: Nashville, Jason "Mayhem" Miller interrupted Shields's post-fight interview, leading to a brawl involving Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, and the Cesar Gracie fight team. Nick Diaz and others attacked Miller. Resulted in suspensions and fines.
January 29, 2011: Defeats Evangelista Santos
On January 29, 2011, Nick Diaz defeated Evangelista Santos at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg via armbar in the second round.
October 29, 2011: Diaz Pulled from St-Pierre Fight
On October 29, 2011, Nick Diaz was scheduled to fight Georges St-Pierre at UFC 137, but was replaced by Carlos Condit due to missing multiple flights for a press event. Diaz then fought B.J. Penn at UFC 137.
May 12, 2012: No-Show at World Jiu-Jitsu Expo
On May 12, 2012, Nick Diaz was scheduled to compete in a grappling match against Braulio Estima at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, but Diaz no-showed the event and was later seen liking a YouTube video calling his actions disrespectful. Diaz alleged that Estima failed to make weight and the promoters did not donate to charity as promised.
February 2013: Eligible to Return to MMA
In February 2013, Nick Diaz became eligible to return to MMA competition after serving his suspension.
March 16, 2013: UFC Welterweight Championship Fight
On March 16, 2013, Nick Diaz faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 158 for the UFC Welterweight Championship but lost the fight via unanimous decision.
June 22, 2013: Launch of WAR MMA Promotion
On June 22, 2013, Nick Diaz launched the MMA promotion WAR MMA. The first event took place on June 22, 2013, in Stockton, California.
July 28, 2013: Diaz Retirement
As of July 28, 2013, Nick Diaz had once again retired from MMA competition.
July 24, 2014: Diaz Signs with UFC Again
On July 24, 2014, it was announced that Nick Diaz had signed a three-fight contract to return to the UFC.
January 31, 2015: Fights Anderson Silva at UFC 183
On January 31, 2015, Nick Diaz faced Anderson Silva at UFC 183, initially losing by unanimous decision, but the result was later changed to a no contest.
2015: Start of Hiatus
In 2015, Nick Diaz began a long hiatus from fighting.
August 1, 2016: Suspension Lifted
On August 1, 2016, Nick Diaz's suspension was officially lifted, allowing him to compete again.
April 9, 2018: Diaz Eligible to Compete Again
On April 9, 2018, Nick Diaz was eligible to compete again after serving a one-year USADA sanction for failing to report his whereabouts.
September 25, 2021: UFC 266 Rematch Against Robbie Lawler
On September 25, 2021, Nick Diaz returned from a hiatus to rematch Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 in a five-round middleweight bout. Diaz lost by TKO after being knocked down and verbally submitting in the third round.
December 14, 2023: Grappling Match Postponed
On December 14, 2023, Nick Diaz was scheduled to compete against Georges St-Pierre in a grappling match at UFC Fight Pass Invitational, but the match was postponed due to injury.
August 3, 2024: Scheduled Fight Against Vicente Luque Postponed
On August 3, 2024, Nick Diaz was scheduled to face Vicente Luque at UFC on ABC 7. However, the bout was postponed due to travel issues.
December 7, 2024: Withdrawal from UFC 310 Fight
On December 7, 2024, Nick Diaz was scheduled to fight Vicente Luque at UFC 310, but he withdrew from the bout for unknown reasons.
