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Nick Diaz

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Nick Diaz
Born (1983-08-02) August 2, 1983 (age 43)
Stockton, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Professional boxer, mixed martial artist
Years active2001–present
Known forCompetitor in UFC Welterweight and Middleweight divisions; former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion; competitor in PRIDE, EliteXC, DREAM, WEC, IFC

Nicholas Robert Diaz (born August 2, 1983) is a professional American boxer and mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight and Middleweight classes within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Diaz has held titles in Strikeforce, WEC, and IFC as a Welterweight champion and has also challenged for the UFC championship. His fighting career includes appearances in organizations such as PRIDE, EliteXC, DREAM, and Shooto.

Nick Diaz is the elder sibling of Nate Diaz, a former UFC competitor; together, they hold significant influence in the realm of mixed martial arts.

Background

Born and raised in Stockton, California, Diaz comes from a background that is both Mexican and Anglo in descent. He has a younger brother, Nate, along with a younger sister named Nina, who were primarily raised by their mother, Melissa. During his teenage years, Diaz trained in disciplines including karate, aikido, and engaged in wrestling competitions. He briefly attended Tokay High School in Lodi, California, where he was part of the swim team before leaving school early. At age 16, Diaz commenced training in sambo under the guidance of Valeri Ignatov, a Bulgarian National Sambo Champion. Inspired by Renzo Gracie's performances in the Pride Fighting Championships, Diaz began formal mixed martial arts training with Steve Heath at Animal House gym prior to joining Cesar Gracie's team. He was awarded his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by Cesar Gracie on May 8, 2007.

Before launching his professional MMA career, Diaz experienced a personal tragedy when his girlfriend Stephanie died by suicide. This loss motivated him to pursue fighting with renewed dedication, often drawing inspiration from visits to her gravesite.

Early career

Prior to turning professional, Diaz took part in unsanctioned bare-knuckle MMA contests. Shortly after turning 18 in 2001, he made his professional debut by submitting his opponent at IFC Warriors Challenge 15. In his subsequent professional fight, Diaz secured the IFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Chris Lytle at IFC Warriors Challenge 17 in July 2002.

Two months later, Diaz competed in Ultimate Athlete's King of the Mountain tournament, winning his initial two matches before being stopped via TKO by Jeremy Jackson in the final round. His early career also included bouts within Warriors Quest and Shooto promotions before he successfully defended his IFC Welterweight title and captured the WEC Welterweight Championship at WEC 6 in 2003 by submitting Joe Hurley.

Diaz then defended his IFC Welterweight title against Jeremy Jackson at IFC Warriors Challenge 18; this fight also put Jackson’s IFC Americas Welterweight Championship and the vacant ISKA-MMA Americas Welterweight title on the line. Diaz emerged victorious with a first-round TKO. Following these achievements, he signed with UFC and debuted at UFC 44 by applying an armbar submission to Jackson after a competitive contest.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Diaz made his UFC return at UFC 47 facing Robbie Lawler, who would later become an EliteXC Middleweight Champion. Although Lawler entered as the favorite, Diaz dominated the fight and knocked him out with a right hook during the second round. He then faced judoka specialist Karo Parisyan at UFC 49, suffering a narrow split decision defeat. Diaz bounced back with victories over submission expert Drew Fickett at UFC 51 and Koji Oishi at UFC 53. However, he was defeated by unanimous decision against Diego Sanchez, winner of The Ultimate Fighter Middleweight, at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale.

After losing to Sanchez, Diaz publicly questioned Sanchez’s legitimacy despite the outcome favoring Sanchez. His following match was against Joe Riggs at UFC 57, an event marked by heated pre-fight exchanges that required intervention from UFC president Dana White. Riggs won via unanimous decision, handing Diaz his second consecutive loss. Post-fight tensions escalated outside the cage, including an incident during hospital observation.

Diaz then faced another setback with a third straight unanimous decision loss to future UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk at UFC 59.

Return to UFC

After returning to his hometown of Stockton, Diaz competed at the first event held by the International Cage Fighting Organization, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ray Steinbeiss. Initially set to face Canadian fighter John Alessio, Diaz received a last-minute call from the UFC to replace an injured Thiago Alves at UFC 62. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Diaz submitted seasoned opponent Josh Neer in the third round. Cementing his comeback in the UFC, Diaz then defeated Brazilian newcomer Gleison Tibau via strikes at UFC 65. Despite this success and promises of future UFC appearances, Diaz signed with Gracie Fighting Championships (GFC) and departed from the UFC. GFC had planned for Diaz to fight Thomas Denny in January 2007, but the event was ultimately canceled due to insufficient ticket sales.

PRIDE FC

Diaz inked a two-fight contract with PRIDE Fighting Championships and made his debut facing Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi in a non-title match at PRIDE 33 in Las Vegas. Although Gomi initially controlled the ground exchanges and inflicted cuts around Diaz’s eyes, Diaz showcased superior boxing skills while standing. Gomi began showing signs of fatigue late in the first round, and early in the second round following a cut inspection, Diaz executed a rare Gogoplata submission at 1:46, marking only the second time this technique had succeeded in PRIDE history.

On April 10, 2007, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) reversed Diaz’s victory over Gomi to a No Contest after he tested positive for marijuana metabolites. Diaz faced a six-month suspension and was fined 20% of his $15,000 purse. The NSAC noted an exceptionally elevated THC level of 175—well above their positive threshold of 50—and concluded it influenced his performance. Commission Chairman Dr. Tony Alamo expressed his belief that Diaz was under the influence during the fight, which aided his pain tolerance and contributed to his win. Diaz denied using marijuana as a performance enhancer or smoking before the bout.

EliteXC

Diaz made his EliteXC debut in Hawaii on September 15, 2007, earning a split decision victory over Mike Aina. He signed a two-year contract with EliteXC and challenged K. J. Noons for the vacant 160-pound title. The match was closely contested until Noons landed a counterpunch that floored Diaz. Despite multiple takedown attempts by Diaz being successfully defended, a knee strike resulted in cuts that prompted a doctor stoppage and handed Diaz the loss. Frustrated by the outcome, Diaz exited the arena abruptly after the fight.

Following surgery to shave down his eyebrow bone to reduce future cuts, Diaz returned at EliteXC's "Return of the KING" event in Honolulu against Muhsin Corbbrey, who weighed nine pounds over the limit. Diaz secured a hard-fought victory. Afterward, tensions flared between Diaz and Noons’ camp when heated verbal exchanges escalated into physical confrontations involving Diaz’s brother Nate and Noons’ father—highlighting ongoing rivalries between the camps.

Next, Diaz took on Thomas Denny, overcoming a slow start before dominating and achieving a knockout early in round two. A rematch against EliteXC Lightweight Champion K. J. Noons was rumored for October 4, 2008, on CBS but was declined by Noons’ team, who questioned Diaz’s status as a contender. Subsequently, Diaz was scheduled to face Eddie Alvarez for the EliteXC 160-pound championship on November 8, 2008; however, EliteXC ceased operations before this bout could take place.

Strikeforce and DREAM

Diaz achieved a first-round TKO triumph against Katsuya Inoue at Dream 3. After Strikeforce acquired ProElite's assets, CEO Scott Coker revealed that Diaz would meet MMA icon Frank Shamrock at a 179 lb catchweight during Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz held in San Jose on April 11, 2009. Diaz secured victory via second-round TKO by exerting dominant ground control and concluding the fight with a powerful body strike.

During Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields, Diaz faced UFC veteran Scott Smith at 180 pounds. Although Smith managed an early takedown, Diaz maintained control throughout the contest by utilizing superior boxing and targeted body shots, ultimately forcing Smith to submit with a rear-naked choke in the final round.

Diaz was originally slated to challenge Joe Riggs for the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on August 15; however, Riggs withdrew following an adverse reaction to medication. Subsequently, Diaz was arranged to fight former IFL Welterweight Champion Jay Hieron for the title, but the bout was canceled after Diaz failed to obtain his license due to missing a pre-fight drug test. Jesse Taylor stepped in for Diaz, and Hieron claimed victory via unanimous decision.

On January 30, 2010, at Strikeforce: Miami, Diaz defeated DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius Žaromskis, becoming the first Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. After an aggressive opening from Žaromskis, Diaz employed unconventional boxing techniques and leg strikes before delivering a knockout uppercut in the opening round.

Continuing his momentum, Diaz submitted former PRIDE competitor Hayato Sakurai with an armbar at DREAM 14. He then successfully defended his Strikeforce Welterweight title by unanimous decision against K. J. Noons in a rematch of their 2007 encounter. On January 29, 2011, Diaz secured an armbar submission over Brazilian Evangelista Santos at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg. Following this, he defeated English contender Paul Daley via first-round TKO at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley, marking him as the first Strikeforce fighter to achieve three consecutive welterweight title defenses.

Second return to UFC

UFC president Dana White contemplated a potential bout between Diaz and reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre. Although Diaz and St-Pierre were rumored as coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 14, the season ultimately featured Michael Bisping and Jason Miller. White later confirmed that Diaz would face St-Pierre at UFC 137 on October 29, 2011. Prior to this match, Diaz relinquished his Strikeforce Welterweight title. However, he was removed from the fight due to missing several flights for a promotional event and was replaced by Carlos Condit. Subsequently, Diaz fought B.J. Penn at UFC 137, winning by unanimous decision and issuing a challenge to St-Pierre, who was sidelined with an injury.

Diaz was anticipated to challenge St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 143; however, following St-Pierre's ACL injury, Diaz competed against Condit for the Interim Welterweight Championship instead. Condit emerged victorious via unanimous decision. Disappointed, Diaz announced his retirement. Dana White expressed confidence in Diaz’s eventual comeback and briefly linked him to a rematch with Condit; however, Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites after the fight, resulting in a temporary suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

In May 2012, Diaz received a one-year suspension retroactive to February 2012 along with a fine amounting to 30% of his fight purse. He regained eligibility to compete in February 2013. In March of that year at UFC 158, Diaz challenged St-Pierre for the Welterweight title but lost by unanimous decision.

By mid-2013, Diaz had retired once more, though White anticipated his return. A proposed middleweight contest with Michael Bisping was declined by Diaz. At UFC on Fox 9, White offered him a rematch against Condit; however, Diaz declined and indicated he would only return if granted an immediate title opportunity.

On July 24, 2014, Diaz inked a three-fight contract with the UFC. He faced Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in January 2015 but lost via unanimous decision. Post-fight drug tests revealed that Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites; Silva tested positive for multiple banned substances and received a one-year suspension along with fines. The result of their bout was overturned to a no contest. At this stage, Diaz’s UFC record stood at seven wins, six defeats, and one no contest without capturing a title.

On September 14, 2015, NSAC imposed a five-year suspension on Diaz and fined him $165,000 due to the marijuana violation; following an appeal in January 2016, this penalty was reduced to an eighteen-month suspension and $100,000 fine. The suspension expired on August 1, 2016. During this period, outstanding fines prevented Diaz from cornering Nate Diaz at UFC events; however, he later resolved these issues with NSAC and resumed full participation.

In April 2018, Diaz accepted a one-year sanction from USADA for failing to provide whereabouts information related to drug testing between late 2016 and early 2017; this suspension was applied retroactively from April 2017.

After six years away from competition since his last fight in 2015, Diaz returned to face Robbie Lawler in a special non-title middleweight bout at UFC 266 on September 25, 2021. Following a competitive match-up, Diaz lost via TKO in the third round after verbally submitting.

Following another three-year absence from competition, Diaz was scheduled to meet Vicente Luque on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7; due to travel complications, the fight was postponed until December 7, 2024 at UFC 310. Subsequently, Diaz withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Themba Gorimbo.

Professional Grappling Career

Diaz was slated to face Georges St-Pierre in a grappling contest at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational on December 14, 2023; however, the bout was delayed due to an injury.

Personal Life

Together with his brother Nate, Diaz conducts Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction in Lodi, California. Both siblings are vocal supporters of cannabis legalization and use.

Diaz is featured in the 2013 documentary Fight Life, which delves into the lives of mixed martial artists beyond the octagon; this film earned the Best Documentary award at the United Film Festival.

In 2023, Diaz entered the acting arena with his debut role in Darkness of Man, starring alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme and directed by James Cullen Bressack.

WAR MMA

On June 22, 2013, Diaz founded the MMA promotion WAR MMA. The organization's first event occurred that very day in Stockton, California, highlighted by a fight between Diaz’s teammate Daniel Roberts and Justin Baesman.

Strikeforce: Nashville Altercation

Following Jake Shields' victory over Dan Henderson at Strikeforce: Nashville on April 17, 2010, Jason "Mayhem" Miller entered the cage without authorization during Shields's post-fight interview. Miller interrupted to demand a rematch, which sparked a confrontation with Gilbert Melendez. This escalated into a brawl involving Miller, Melendez, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, and members of the Cesar Gracie fight team. Officials and security intervened to end the melee. As a result, Miller and five others received suspensions lasting three months along with fines ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.

In the aftermath, Miller sought to arrange a fight against Nick Diaz. Diaz, who held the Strikeforce Welterweight title at 170 lbs, declined unless Miller could meet that weight class. Miller offered catchweights of 183 lbs and later 181 lbs; nevertheless, the bout never came to fruition due to Zuffa's acquisition of Strikeforce despite CEO Scott Coker's interest in facilitating the matchup.

Incidents Involving Braulio Estima

Nick Diaz was set to compete against Braulio Estima in a grappling match at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo on May 12, 2012 but did not appear. Subsequently, Diaz criticized Estima’s conduct as "disrespectful" and claimed Estima failed to meet an agreed-upon weight deadline. Diaz also accused event organizers of not donating proceeds to charity as promised.

After UFC 158, Estima—who trains with Georges St-Pierre—attempted to shake hands with Diaz. While Diaz initially accepted, he pushed Estima away when an embrace was attempted. Estima suggested that part of this tension stemmed from provocations by Kron Gracie alongside Diaz.

Domestic Violence Allegations

On May 24, 2018, Diaz was arrested and charged with two counts related to domestic battery: a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor battery charge. These charges were dismissed on August 30, 2018 after a grand jury declined to indict him due to inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements.

Fighting Style

Diaz holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the tutelage of Cesar Gracie, having trained since his teenage years. His accolades include victories such as winning the US Purple Belt Open (2004) and securing first place in the Pan-American Brown Belt Medium Weight Division (2005). Among his grappling achievements is a submission win over Jorge Patino via kneebar; he frequently employs the kimura submission. His adaptation of BJJ is specifically tailored for mixed martial arts competition.

Additionally, Diaz competes professionally as a boxer within the Super Middleweight class. He debuted in April 2005 with a unanimous decision victory. His boxing training has been guided by former WBA and WBC World Champion Luisito Espinosa and Jason "Gumby" Schrumpf. He also cross-trains in sambo alongside former UFC competitor Val Ignatov.

Diaz’s boxing approach is characterized by throwing a high volume of punches combined with selective power strikes. According to CompuStrike data, he attempted an unprecedented 181 strikes within a single round—the highest number tracked in any round by their system.

Renowned for his outspoken trash talk toward opponents, Diaz also participates recreationally in triathlons. His exceptional cardiovascular endurance allows him to apply relentless pressure throughout fights at a consistently high pace. He views conditioning as both a physical and mental advantage, asserting he can maintain peak performance without fatigue—an edge that sustains him during competition.

Pay-per-view Events

No. Event Matchup Date Location City PPV Purchases
1. UFC 137 Penn vs. Diaz October 29, 2011 Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. 280,000
2. UFC 143 Diaz vs. Condit February 4, 2012 Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. 400,000
3. UFC 158 St-Pierre vs. Diaz March 16, 2013 Bell Centre Montreal, Quebec, Canada 950,000
4. UFC 183 Silva vs. Diaz January 31, 2015 MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. 650,000
Aggregate PPV Sales 2,280,000

Mixed Martial Arts

Submission Grappling

Professional Mixed Martial Arts Record

|- |Loss |align=center| |Robbie Lawler |TKO (retirement) |UFC 266 | |align=center|3 |align=center|0:44 |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |- | No Contest |align=center|26–9 (2) |Anderson Silva |NC (overturned by NSAC) |UFC 183 | |align=center|5 |align=center|5:00 |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |- |Loss |align=center |26–9 (1) |Georges St-Pierre |Unanimous Decision |UFC 158 | |align=center |5 |align=center |5:00 |Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |- |- Loss 

| align=center |26–8 (1) 
| Carlos Condit 
| Unanimous Decision 
| UFC 143 
| 
| align=center |5 
| align=center |5:00 
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 
| 
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |26–7 (1) 
| B.J. Penn 
| Unanimous Decision 
| UFC 137 
| 
| align=center |3 
| align=center |5:00 
|
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |25–7 (1) 
| Paul Daley 
| TKO (punches) 
| Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley 
|
| align=center |1 
| align=center |4:57 
|
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |24–7 (1) 
| Evangelista Santos 
| Submission (armbar) 
| Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg 
|
| align=center |2 
| align=center |4:50 
|
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |23–7 (1)  
| K. J. Noons  
| Unanimous Decision  
| Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II  
|
| align=center |5  
| align=center |5:00  
|
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |22–7 (1)  
| Hayato Sakurai  
| Submission (armbar)  
| Dream 14  
|
| align=center |1  
| align=center |3:54  
|
|-

|- Win 

| align=center |21–7 (1)  
| Marius Žaromskis  
| TKO (punches)  
| Strikeforce: Miami  
|

  | align=center  |1   | align=center  |4:35   | 

|-

|- colspan="9" style="text-align:center;" | Captured the first-ever Strikeforce Welterweight Title and successfully defended it multiple times before vacating the belt in June 2011 upon contract absorption by UFC. |- |- Win ... [record continues highlighting championship victories and significant bouts] ...

Professional boxing record

Outcome Overall Record Opponent Victory Method Round, Time Date Venue Additional Information
1 Win 1–0 Alfonso Rocha 4 April 29, 2005


See also

External links
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