What Happened to Nathan Donald Diaz?
Nate Diaz, an American mixed martial artist and professional boxer, rose to prominence in the UFC, known for his unyielding fighting style and iconic rivalries. After concluding his UFC contract in 2022, Diaz transitioned to professional boxing, facing Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal, while also launching his own promotion, Real Fight Inc. As of March 2026, he is set to make his return to mixed martial arts under Most Valuable Promotions.
Quick Answer
Nate Diaz left the UFC in 2022, subsequently making his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in August 2023, which he lost by unanimous decision. He then secured a majority decision victory in a boxing rematch against Jorge Masvidal in July 2024. Most recently, on March 16, 2026, it was announced that Diaz will return to mixed martial arts to face Mike Perry on May 16, 2026, under Most Valuable Promotions, streaming live on Netflix.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Wins The Ultimate Fighter 5
Nate Diaz emerged as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5 lightweight tournament, defeating Manny Gamburyan by submission due to injury in the final.
Challenges for UFC Lightweight Championship
Diaz faced Benson Henderson for the UFC Lightweight Championship but lost the bout via unanimous decision.
First Fight Against Conor McGregor
Diaz famously stepped in on short notice to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 196, winning by submission in the second round and skyrocketing his global recognition.
Fights Jorge Masvidal for BMF Title
Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal for the inaugural 'BMF' (Baddest Motherf***er) title at UFC 244, losing via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage.
Final UFC Fight and Launches Real Fight Inc.
Diaz defeated Tony Ferguson via guillotine choke at UFC 279, marking the final fight on his UFC contract. He also announced the launch of his own promotion, Real Fight Inc.
Receives Key to the City of Stockton
Diaz was presented with the Key to the City of Stockton by the mayor during a Stockton Kings basketball game, recognizing his impact and connection to his hometown.
Professional Boxing Debut vs. Jake Paul
Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout in Dallas, Texas, losing by unanimous decision.
Boxing Rematch vs. Jorge Masvidal
Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal in a 10-round boxing rematch in Anaheim, California, winning by majority decision and avenging his prior UFC loss.
Files Lawsuit Against Fanmio
Diaz filed a lawsuit against boxing promoter Fanmio, alleging he was not paid $9 million owed from his fight with Jorge Masvidal, with the dispute later referred to arbitration.
Teases UFC Return for BMF Title
Diaz posted on social media, hinting at a return to the UFC and expressing his desire to claim the BMF title, which he helped originate.
Announced MMA Return vs. Mike Perry
It was officially announced that Nate Diaz will return to mixed martial arts to fight Mike Perry on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, under Most Valuable Promotions and streaming on Netflix.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Nate Diaz, a prominent figure in combat sports, carved out a significant legacy during his 15-year tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was known for his relentless pressure, durability, and captivating rivalries, most notably with Conor McGregor. After winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz became a fan favorite, accumulating 16 UFC bonus awards and challenging for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2012.
His career took a significant turn in September 2022 when he fought out the last bout of his UFC contract, defeating Tony Ferguson via guillotine choke submission at UFC 279. Following his departure from the UFC, Diaz announced the launch of his own combat sports promotion company, Real Fight Inc., signaling his intent to explore new avenues in fighting. This period also saw him honored with the Key to the City of Stockton in December 2022, recognizing his contributions and connection to his hometown.
Diaz then ventured into professional boxing, a move that generated considerable buzz. His highly anticipated boxing debut came on August 5, 2023, against YouTube personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The cruiserweight bout, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and Diaz's Real Fight Inc., saw Paul defeat Diaz by unanimous decision. Undeterred, Diaz continued his boxing career, facing former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal in a rematch on July 6, 2024. This 10-round light heavyweight boxing match, initially announced in March 2024 and later rescheduled, resulted in a majority decision victory for Diaz, avenging his 2019 TKO loss to Masvidal in the UFC. However, a legal dispute arose in August 2024, with Diaz filing a lawsuit against promoter Fanmio, alleging he was stiffed out of $9 million from the Masvidal fight, a matter that was later referred to arbitration.
As of early 2026, speculation mounted about Diaz's future. In February 2026, he teased a potential return to the UFC, specifically expressing interest in challenging for the BMF (Baddest Motherf*er) title, a belt he helped popularize. However, a more immediate and concrete development emerged on March 16, 2026, when it was officially announced that Nate Diaz would be making his return to mixed martial arts. He is scheduled to face Mike Perry in a professional MMA bout on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, will be streamed globally on Netflix, marking a significant moment for both Diaz and the platform's expansion into live combat sports. This upcoming fight signifies Diaz's first MMA appearance in nearly four years, showcasing his continued presence and drawing power across different combat sports disciplines.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nathan Donald Diaz made different choices?