Nate Diaz is regarded as one of MMA’s biggest stars today, even though his record (19-11) doesn’t fully reflect what he has achieved in his fighting career. With notable wins against Conor McGregor, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Michael Johnson and Jim Miller, the Stockton fighter has had scraps with all top contenders in both lightweight and welterweight divisions.
Diaz stepped into the spotlight in The Ultimate Fighter 5, which exclusively featured lightweights, in Jens Pulver’s team. The young fighter scored impressive wins in his preliminary bouts, reaching the finals against Manvel Gamburyan. Gamburyan was forced to tap out in the second round due to shoulder dislocation and with the victory, Diaz became the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5.
Another proof that Nate Diaz is one of the greatest athletes to compete in the sport are the multiple post-fight bonus awards he has earned throughout his career. He is tied with Joe Lauzon for most award bonuses won (15) in UFC history. He won eight Fight of the Night awards as well as five Submission of the Night awards. A true legend in the MMA world.
On March 5, 2016, Diaz filled in to replace Rafael Dos Anjos against Conor McGregor in UFC 196, on just eleven days notice. McGregor won the first round out-boxing Nate, but he stood up in the second round and started landing significant shots on a very tired McGregor. Diaz won the fight via submission in this round, earning him the biggest victory in his career and a very big payday. This victory gave Diaz his ninth submission victory, reaching a second-most all-time behind only Royce Gracie.
Nate Diaz is ranked #6 in the lightweight division, according to the UFC Rankings. Even though the fighter has 11 losses in his record most have come by way of very close decisions against the toughest names in the sport. It only takes an overall look into some of his scraps for a fight fan to understand how great of a fighter he really is.
