Let’s talk Nate Diaz, the enigmatic force in the world of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born Nathan Donald Diaz on April 16, 1985, to a Mexican mother and an American father, he’s the younger sibling of another octagon legend—Nick Diaz. Together, they form a kind of MMA royalty. But what is it that makes Nate Diaz more than just Nick’s younger brother?
Knockouts, Submissions, and Major Wins
Nate’s UFC career began with a big bang, with his first major victory coming in the fifth season of “The Ultimate Fighter”. But it didn’t just stop there; his list of significant victories reads like a who’s who of MMA fighters. We’re talking Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, Michael Johnson, and Takanori Gomi. And let’s not forget about his fights against Clay Guida, Rory Markham, and Marcus Davis.
The sheer volume of his wins and the manner in which he claims them—guillotine chokes, TKO victories, and triangle-choke submissions—paint a picture of a versatile and dangerous fighter.
“Switching Lanes”: The Weight Class Saga
Remember 2010? Nate sure does. Frustrated after losing three of his last four fights, he decided to fight in a higher-weight class. Initially set as a catchweight bout against Rory Markham, it quickly transitioned to a welterweight debut. Nate dominated with a TKO victory in the first round, signaling his eventual decision to fight in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
Still 👑 pic.twitter.com/QytwN2ucEL
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) March 19, 2023
Record-Shattering Pay-Per-Views
Diaz and McGregor jointly hold the UFC record for the most paid UFC pay-per-view buys for their electrifying clash at UFC 202.
If you’re wondering about the dollars behind the spectacle, let’s break it down. At UFC 196, Diaz raked in $500,000 in base money plus $50,000 in incentives. As for UFC 202, despite losing to McGregor, Diaz walked away with a whopping $13 million.
A Treasure Trove of Honors
When it comes to awards and honors, Diaz is no slouch either. With seven submission victories in the UFC Lightweight class, he is tied with Jim Miller for the most in the category. He’s also been awarded Fight of the Night bonuses for the eighth time in his career. Not to mention, he received the World MMA Award for Submission of the Year for his victory over Conor McGregor in 2016.
Life Outside the Octagon
In terms of personal life, Diaz has always been somewhat of an enigma. He’s been linked romantically to Misty Brown since 2012, and in 2018, the couple welcomed their first child. Despite the public interest, they’ve maintained an air of mystery about their relationship status.
Nate Diaz’s Net Worth: A Quick Look
Fighting has been good to Nate, to the tune of $8 million.
It’s not just about the winnings; his net worth also includes sponsorships, pay-per-view income, and bonuses.
Parting Shots: The Indomitable Spirit of Diaz
Nate Diaz remains a captivating figure in the realm of MMA, a sport often dominated by larger-than-life personalities and epic rivalries. Whether you admire him for his cage fighting skills, his unbreakable spirit, or his contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of UFC, one thing is clear: Nate Diaz is a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the octagon.
