Sports • MMA

Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer from Stockton, California.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer from Stockton, California. He is best known for his long UFC career, winning The Ultimate Fighter 5 and later competing as a free agent after leaving the UFC. Diaz is also known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu base, southpaw stance, and high-volume, durable fighting style.

Early life and background

Nate Diaz was born in Stockton, California, and is the younger brother of fighter Nick Diaz. He rose from regional mixed martial arts competition to national prominence through The Ultimate Fighter 5 and the UFC.

Mixed martial arts career

Diaz competed in promotions including WEC, Strikeforce, Pancrase, and the UFC. He became one of the UFC’s most recognizable fighters through high-profile bouts, durability, and submission wins.

Fighting style

Diaz is commonly described as a striker and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. He is known for southpaw boxing, cardio, pressure, and submission ability, particularly from his Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu base.

Post-UFC boxing career

After leaving the UFC, Diaz entered professional boxing. Sources note bouts against Jake Paul in 2023 and Jorge Masvidal in 2024.

Key facts

Nate Diaz was born in Stockton, California, on April 16, 1985.
He became widely known after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5.
He fought in the UFC for more than 15 years before becoming a free agent.
He has also competed in professional boxing.
He is associated with Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and known for a southpaw striking style combined with Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

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Canadian context

Nate Diaz is a well-known international combat sports figure whose UFC and boxing bouts have been followed by Canadian MMA fans, particularly through major North American pay-per-view events.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nate Diaz?

Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer from Stockton, California, best known for winning The Ultimate Fighter 5 and for his long UFC career.

How old is Nate Diaz?

He was born on April 16, 1985, which makes him 41 years old as of July 2026.

What is Nate Diaz's fighting style?

He is known for a southpaw striking style combined with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, pressure, durability, and strong submission skills.

Who has Nate Diaz fought?

He has faced many notable opponents across MMA and boxing, including Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Jake Paul, among others in the UFC and earlier promotions.

Is Nate Diaz still fighting?

Yes, but not as a UFC fighter; available sources describe him as a free agent and note that he has continued fighting in professional boxing.

What is Nate Diaz's net worth?

A reliable, up-to-date net worth figure is not established in the provided sources. One fight database lists disclosed career earnings of $4,081,000, which is not the same as net worth.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Diaz
Supports: Birth name, birth date, UFC history, and free-agent status in the provided extract.
Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/nate-diaz
Supports: Fighting style description, career record, disclosed earnings, last fight, and affiliation.
ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335679/nate-diaz
Supports: Birthdate, stance, team, height, weight, and style classification.
Wikipedia (German) — https://www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Diaz
Supports: 2023 and 2024 boxing bouts and the statement that his professional career ran from 2004 to 2022 in MMA.
ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17322102/to-understand-nate-diaz-first-understand-where-comes-from
Supports: Background on Diaz's rise in UFC and notable fight history.