When Nate Diaz walked out of the UFC in 2022, he didn’t just leave a contract — he set off a chain of events that would reshape his career, his public image, and his personal life, as the Stockton fighter has since ventured into boxing, launched his own promotion, and made headlines for his political views. This article breaks down his UFC exit, his positive drug test, his family life, and what comes next for one of combat sports’ most independent figures.
Record: 22-13-0 (MMA) · Height: 6’0″ · Weight: 170 lbs · Reach: 76″ · Stance: Southpaw
Quick snapshot
- UFC debut in 2007 (Wikipedia)
- Defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in 2016 (UFC)
- Last UFC fight: Sept. 10, 2022 vs. Tony Ferguson (CBS Sports)
- Boxing debut: Aug. 2023, defeated Mike Perry by majority decision (BBC Sport)
- Exact reasons for his UFC departure beyond contractual disputes (Bleacher Report)
- Full political leanings — he has expressed support for Trump but also criticized the system (Wikipedia)
- Next opponent and date for his next boxing match (Bleacher Report)
- 2007: UFC debut (Wikipedia)
- 2016: Tested positive for marijuana metabolites; fought McGregor twice (Wikipedia)
- 2022: Final UFC fight; becomes free agent (CBS Sports)
- Aug. 2023: Boxing debut vs. Mike Perry (BBC Sport)
- Continues as a free agent, seeking high-profile boxing matches (Yahoo Sports)
- Launched Real Fight Inc. to promote his own events (Yahoo Sports)
- Rumored return to UFC possible but unconfirmed (Yahoo Sports)
Here are key biographical details:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nathan Donald Diaz (Wikipedia) |
| Born | April 16, 1985 (Wikipedia) |
| Height | 6’0″ (UFC) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (UFC) |
| Reach | 76″ (UFC) |
| Stance | Southpaw (UFC) |
| MMA Record | 22-13-0 (Wikipedia) |
| Last UFC Fight | September 10, 2022 (vs. Tony Ferguson) (CBS Sports) |
Why Is Nate Diaz No Longer in the UFC?
What triggered his departure?
- Diaz became a free agent after his last UFC fight at UFC 279 in September 2022 (CBS Sports)
- He cited contractual disputes and a desire for more freedom to pursue boxing and other ventures (Bleacher Report)
- Diaz said he wanted to show fighters how to dominate another sport after leaving the UFC (Bleacher Report)
What has he done since leaving?
- He launched Real Fight Inc., a promotion company to organize his own events (Yahoo Sports)
- He made his professional boxing debut in August 2023, defeating Mike Perry by majority decision (BBC Sport)
- He has publicly targeted Jake Paul as a potential boxing opponent (ABC News)
Diaz’s exit from the UFC was not a quiet retirement — it was a calculated pivot to boxing and self-promotion, betting that his brand could generate more money outside the octagon.
The implication: Diaz’s departure signals a larger trend of fighters seeking independence from the UFC’s exclusive contracts, using boxing as a higher-paying alternative.
What Did Nate Diaz Test Positive For?
When did the positive test occur?
- Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites in 2016 after UFC 200 (Wikipedia)
- He was suspended for 90 days and fined $20,000 (Wikipedia)
What substance was involved?
- The positive test was for marijuana, a substance Diaz has been open about using (Wikipedia)
- He and his brother Nick are cannabis advocates and have a licensed line of marijuana pre-rolls (Wikipedia)
Diaz’s suspension highlighted the UFC’s strict anti-doping rules on cannabis, even as the substance became legal in many states — a tension that continues to fuel debate in MMA.
The trade-off: Diaz accepted the penalty but turned his advocacy into a business, co-founding the CBD company Game Up Nutrition and a cannabis brand.
Does Nate Diaz Support Trump?
Has he publicly endorsed Trump?
- Diaz has expressed support for Donald Trump in interviews, saying he likes that Trump is not a politician (Wikipedia)
- He has also criticized the political system more broadly (Wikipedia)
What are his political views?
- Diaz publicly endorsed former UFC fighter BJ Penn in his 2022 run for governor of Hawaii (Wikipedia)
- His stance remains a topic of debate; he has not made a formal party affiliation (Wikipedia)
What this means: Diaz’s political stance remains ambiguous, blending support for anti-establishment figures with a rejection of traditional party lines.
Who Did Nate Diaz Have a Baby With?
How many children does he have?
- Diaz has two children (Wikipedia)
- His first child, a daughter, was born on June 20, 2018 (Wikipedia)
Who is the mother?
- Diaz keeps his partner’s identity private, rarely sharing family details (Briefing Room)
- He occasionally posts family moments on social media but does not reveal names (Wikipedia)
Diaz, one of the most outspoken fighters in MMA, is fiercely private about his home life — revealing only what he wants, when he wants.
What this means: Diaz’s guarded approach to his family contrasts with his public persona, reinforcing his brand of selective transparency.
What Happened in Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry?
Result of the fight
- Diaz defeated Mike Perry by majority decision in a boxing match on August 5, 2023, in Dallas, Texas (BBC)
- It was his first professional boxing match after leaving the UFC (BBC)
How did Diaz perform?
- Diaz used his reach advantage and boxing skills to outpoint Perry over 10 rounds (BBC)
- The fight drew significant attention, proving Diaz’s drawing power outside the UFC (ESPN)
The pattern: Diaz proved his drawing power outside the UFC, setting the stage for larger boxing matches.
Timeline
- 2007: UFC debut (Wikipedia)
- 2016: Fought Conor McGregor twice; tested positive for marijuana (Wikipedia)
- 2022: Final UFC fight against Tony Ferguson; becomes free agent (CBS Sports)
- August 2023: Boxing debut: defeats Mike Perry by majority decision (BBC)
- 2024: Continues as free agent, seeking future fights (Yahoo Sports)
The timeline shows Diaz’s career trajectory from UFC to boxing free agency.
Clarity Check
Confirmed facts
- Nate Diaz left the UFC after his contract expired in 2022 (CBS Sports)
- He tested positive for marijuana metabolites in 2016 (Wikipedia)
- He has two children (Wikipedia)
- He defeated Mike Perry in a boxing match in 2023 (BBC)
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for his UFC departure beyond contractual issues (Bleacher Report)
- His full political stance and whether he formally supports Trump (Wikipedia)
- His next fight opponent and date
- Diaz’s exact net worth remains unconfirmed
The catch: While many facts are confirmed, key details about his motives and future remain uncertain.
Quotes
“After UFC 279, Diaz said he wanted to leave the UFC briefly to show fighters how to dominate another sport.”
Bleacher Report
“Diaz has expressed support for Donald Trump in interviews, saying he likes that Trump is not a politician.”
Wikipedia
“Diaz openly linked his post-UFC plan to boxing, stating that boxing is where the money is.”
Bleacher Report
Nate Diaz’s words reinforce his identity as a fighter who values independence, financial opportunity, and authenticity — even if it means ruffling feathers.
Summary
Nate Diaz’s post-UFC career is a deliberate experiment in athlete independence. By moving to boxing, launching his own promotion, and keeping his private life out of the spotlight, he has maintained control over his narrative. For fighters weighing a similar path, the choice is clear: accept the UFC’s structure, or bet on your own brand. Diaz is betting the latter.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nate Diaz’s real name?
Nathan Donald Diaz.
How old is Nate Diaz?
Born April 16, 1985, he is 39 years old (as of 2024).
What is Nate Diaz’s fighting style?
Diaz is a southpaw with a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu; he relies on boxing, pressure, and submissions.
Who trained Nate Diaz?
He trains under Cesar Gracie and alongside his brother Nick Diaz at Nick Diaz Academy in Stockton.
Has Nate Diaz ever won a UFC title?
No, he won The Ultimate Fighter 5 but never won a UFC championship belt.
What is Nate Diaz’s net worth?
Estimates vary; publicly reported figures range from $8 million to $12 million, though Diaz has not confirmed.
Is Nate Diaz related to Nick Diaz?
Yes, Nick Diaz is his older brother.
What is Nate Diaz’s next fight?
As of 2024, no fight has been officially announced.
Related reading
- Andy Roddick: Career, Retirement & Life After Tennis – A look at how another top athlete transitioned after leaving his sport.
- Mick Foley: Health, Net Worth & Career Update 2025 – Biography of a combat sports star navigating life after the ring.
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Benjamin Clarke is Senior Reporter at Canada Perspective, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.