Nick Diaz Bio: Early Life, Career, Net Worth, UFC & Wife

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Anyone who follows UFC or loves MMA may be familiar with Nick Diaz. Nick Diaz is a professional Mixed Martial Artist who competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 

Diaz is a former Strikeforce, WEC, and IFC welterweight champion and UFC title contender. He also competed in boxing matches like PRIDE, EliteXC, DREAM, and Shooto.

Nick made his first walk to MMA in 2001 after signing a contract with the International Fighting Championship. Diaz won his debut match against Mike by giving a triangle choke submission. 

The UFC fighter is now preparing for a comeback to the Octagon in 2023 and wants to compete with UFC middleweight kingpin Isreal Adesanya. His last win at the Octagon was in 2011. 

American veteran Nick Diaz
American veteran Nick Diaz ( Source: The Sun)

ESPN pundit  Laura Sanko said that she doesn’t want to see Nick returning against Isreal Adesanyaaid on December 19, 2022. Instead, she would rather see him fight another UFC veteran. 

There is detailed information about his early life, career, stat, UFC, Net worth, and Wife in the article below. So, stick to the report to the end.

But first, let us glance at the quick facts section.

Quick Facts:

Name Nickolas Robert Diaz
Birth Place Stockton, California
Birth Date August 2, 1983
Age 40 Years Old
Religion Christianity
Ethnicity White
Nationality American
Father  Robert Diaz
Mother Melissa Daiz
Education Tokyo High School
Height 6’1″/1.85 m/185 cm
Weight 77 kg/169 lb
Body Measurement 42-33-35 Inches
Biceps 16.5
Horoscope Leo
Shoe size 11 (US)
Eye Color Dark Brown
Hair Color Black
Siblings Nina, Nathan Diaz
Net Worth $3 Million
Salary $400,000-$516,000
Residence Lodi, California
Sexual Orientation Straight
Profession Mixed Martial Artist
Affiliations MMA, UFC
Marital Status Single
Girlfriend Heather Nikole
Nick Name Nick Daiz
Win-loss record 26-10-0
UFC debut 2011
MMA debut 2001
Style Boxing

Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Sambo

Boxing Trainer Richard Perez (Boxing)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Trainer Cesar Gracie
Division Lightweight (2004-2010, 2011-2015)

Welterweight (2019-2011, 2016-Present)

Controversies Allegation of Domestic Violence, Suspended From Nevada State Athletic Commission for Five Years
Instagram InstagramTwitter
Last Update April 2024

Nick Diaz | Early Life, Family, &  Education

Nikolas Robert Diaz, famously known as Nick Diaz, was born on August 2, 1984, in Stockton, California. His parents’ names are Robert and Melissa Diaz. 

However, not much has been mentioned about Diaz’s father, as he left his mother when he was a kid. Diaz still remembers those darkest days as the darkest period of his life.

Nick had a difficult childhood because his mother had to look after everything. And she couldn’t manage three kids and work at the same time.

So, they had to be satisfied with whatever they had. Nick Diaz has two siblings, Nina Diaz (sister) and Nathan Diaz (brother). 

Nick Diaz fighting
Nick Diaz Beating The Shit Out Of His Opponent (Source: NY Martial Arts Academy)

When Nick was a child, his mother sent him to swimming classes. He also started taking training in karate and aikido.

Diaz took part in various wrestling tournaments. He went to Tokyo High School and dropped out a year later. At 16, he was highly inspired by Renzo Gracie of UFC.

Later, he joined MMA under Steve Heath and trained himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His life took an immense turn after his then-girlfriend, Stephnie, committed suicide. He loved her so much, and her death shattered him.

Nick was determined to fulfill her last as she wished to see Nick as a fighter.

Nonetheless, Nick used to run into Stephenie’s grave every day and promise her that he would be a great fighter someday.

How Old Is Nick Diaz? Age, Height & Body Measurement

Nick Diaz is 40 years old at the time of writing. He is American by nationality, White by ethnicity, and Christian by religion.

According to Nick’s birth chart horoscope, he is a Leo. And people born with this zodiac sign are usually confident, ambitious, and generous.

Undoubtedly, Nick is one confident and ambitious person. He has achieved great success in his life despite his rough childhood.

The American MMA fighter never lost hope and was determined to achieve his aim. This is the reason behind his success today.

Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz Posing For The Camera (Source: UFC Fighting)

Nick stands at 1.85 and weighs around 169 pounds. Likewise, his body measurement is 42-33-35 inches.

As Nick is a fighter, he needs to maintain a good physique. He works hard in the gym to keep his body and has a good shape.

Career

Apart from his girlfriend’s death, he was brutally bullied at his school, so he joined MMA to take a stand against the bullies.

Although he didn’t have an easy start, he worked hard for several years and established himself as the top UFC boxer in history. 

MMA Career

After Nick turned 18, he got a first chance to debut as an MMA fighter and participate in his first-ever fight against Mike Wick, which he wins eventually did.

Nick won his second fight for IFC Welterweight Championship against Chris Lytle; soon after that, he was invited to fight in the Ultimate Athlete’s King of the Mountain tournament.

However, this time Nick couldn’t win the match; he completed two fights but couldn’t win in the final battle. Nick faced Jeremy Jackson then, and he lost by TKO.

Not so surprisingly, in 2003, Nick won WEC Welterweight Championship. He wins the match with a kimura against Joe Hurley.

Nick Daiz after a match
Daiz Celebrating After Winning The Match (Source: bleacher report)

Later, Nick had a rematch with Jeremy after one year of his defeat against him. This time he was fighting for Jackson’s IFC Americas Welterweight Championship.

He wins the rematch and bags the title. Due to his splendid performances, Diaz was noticed by a lot of wrestling companies.

Likewise, UFC also recognized Nick’s talent and signed him in UFC.

UFC Career

Nick is among the most underrated fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He performs well in every match, but he doesn’t get praised as much as he deserves.

However, Nick never gave up and did his work with dedication and consistency. During his UFC days, he has Daiz has given some of his best performances.

His fight UFC fight was against EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler. Everyone thought Nick had less chance of winning against Lawler, but to everyone’s surprise, Nick won the battle in the harsh second round. 

UFC Career
UFC Fighter Nick Diaz (Source: MMA USA)

Diego Sanchez and Nick also had an exciting bout, and this rivalry started after Nick failed to claim the Ultimate Fighter Middleweight Championship for the second time.

After the second loss, Diaz created controversy by stating that he respected Diego’s fighting ability but didn’t think he deserved to be at the top. 

Soon after that, Nick faced Joe Riggs, where Nick made sure he taunted Riggs during the press conference, and two UFC fighters exchanged words. 

UFC President Dana White and other members later had to interfere with the conversation as it was going too far.

Sadly, Nick loses the match against Rigg, but both the fighters are sent to the hospital for observation after the game ends.

Nick Diaz
MMA Fighter Nick Speaking In The Press Conference (Source: MMA USA )

However, Nick loses the match for the third time via a unanimous decision. Hence, he returned to his hometown and participated in events there.

But one day, UFC called Nick to fill the vacant place of Thiago Alves; Thiago had health issues and couldn’t participate in the UFC 62. Nick took advantage of the opportunity and submitted Josh Neer in 3rd round. 

He also stopped Brazilian newcomer Gleison Tibau in his next fight at UFC 65 and signed a contract with Gracie Fighting Championships.

GFC scheduled his next fight with Thomas Denny in January 2007 but got canceled due to poor ticket sales.

Nick Diaz | Controversies

In May 2012, during a post-fight drug test, Nick tested positive for marijuana consumption. As a result, he was suspended for one year and was fined 30 percent of his purse for the fight.

Similarly, again in 2015, Nick tested positive for marijuana consumption. The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him for five years and fined him.

Likewise, Nick was accused of committing domestic violence in 2018.

He was even arrested by Police and released by the court as the grand jury dismissed the charges against him.

Nick Diaz | Net Worth And Income

Nick has been active as a professional fighter since 2001. He has earned quite a good amount of money.

As of 2024, Nick Diaz’s net worth is expected to be $3 million. Similarly, he has a yearly salary ranking between $500,000-$3,000,000 per fight. 

MMA Fighter Posing With His Car
MMA Fighter Posing With His Car (Source: Instagram)

Not much has been disclosed about his lifestyle. Nick lives a luxurious life, thanks to his notable UFC and MMA career. 

Is Nick Diaz Single? Personal Life And Girlfriend

Talking about Nick Diaz’s life, he is currently single. Nick prefers to be alone as he wouldn’t have to worry about family, wife, and children while fighting, unlike other fighters.

In his interview, Nick revealed that he had a girlfriend during his school days, but her ex-boyfriend studied in the same school and played football there.

Hence, the whole football team would come to him and nag him. Nick even thought about joining another high school, but he felt he was far behind and couldn’t continue his studies.

Diaz With His Ex- Girlfriend Heather Nikole
Diaz With His Ex-Girlfriend Heather Nikole (Source: sport manor)

By then, his girlfriend was dating Bart (Nick’s best friend) to make Nick jealous. Besides, Bart had a gun, so nobody would want to piss Bart off.

Further, Stephine proposed to Nick a night before Bart’s house party. After the party, Nick wanted to meet Stephine and decided to go to her place with her brother.

But fate had something else planned for him. If Stephine were with Nick, Nick would receive a call from Stephenie’s mom.

Sadly, Stephine committed suicide; after this event, Nick’s whole life took a turn. He couldn’t attend college anymore, and he couldn’t face anyone.

Since then, Nick has decided to be a fighter as Stephine wanted him to be a fighter.

Furthermore, the MMA fighter also dated Heather Nikole. The pair both share similar points on veganism. They dated for a few years and got separated eventually. 

There are no rumors of him dating anyone in 2024 because he wants to focus more on his boxing career. 

Nick Diaz | Social Media Presence

Nick Diaz is quite active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His social media post includes pictures and videos from boxing. 

Instagram: 1.8 million followers

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Nick Diaz (@nickdiaz209)

Twitter: 715.9k followers

The UFC boxer also uses his social media as an advertisement platform for his alcohol brand, Haze Taquilla Blanco. 

Nick Diaz | Popularity

The American professional MMA fighter is quite popular, as he won multiple world championships in Strikeforce and WEC. 

Nick Diaz Search Graph
Nick Diaz Search Graph (Source: google trend)

The graph shows his search trends for 12 months. 

Nick Diaz | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva a no-contest?

No contest rule in UFC means neither of the fighters is declared the winner. During the fight between Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz in 2015.

Anderson Silva won the fight by unanimous decision. Later, Silva tested positive for two drugs, while Nick tested positive for marijuana.

Will Nick Diaz return to UFC?

According to UFC president Dana White, Diaz will make his UFC return in 2021. In one of the interviews, Dana White mentioned that Diaz had talked with the UFC about a return to the Octagon in 2021.

Why did Nick Diaz say, don’t be scared, homie?

“Don’t be scared, homie” is one of the classic quotes said by Nick. It’s likely the first quote any fan will think of when they hear the name “Nick Diaz.” It’s been made into memes, T-shirts, and designs all over the internet.

Has Nick Diaz used the gogoplata technique during a fight?

Nick Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi using the gogoplata techniques at Prie 33. However, the victory was vacated to a no-contest due to a positive test for marijuana in the post-fight drug test.

What is Nick Diaz’s fight record?

Nick Diaz has a professional fight record of 26 wins, ten losses, and 0 draws.

What is Nick Diaz’s boxing record?

Nick Diaz’s professional boxing record includes 10 wins out of 26 total fights.

Who won Nick Diaz Vs. Conor McGregor 2?

Nick Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the UFC held on August 20, 2016.

In the first fight, Nick won by submission. However, in their second match, McGregor exacted his revenge and won by decision. 

Did Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs fight in the hospital?

Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs fought at UFC 57, in which Joe won, surprisingly.

After the fight, Diaz was shocked and frustrated, thinking he had lost to a fighter who was ranked well below him.

In frustration, Nick said some trash-talk toward Riggs while they were getting post-fight medical exams.

But later, Riggs came by his hospital room, and they both started fighting in the middle of the hospital.

Further, security yanked them apart and stopped the fight. It is one of the craziest post-fight UFC incidents in history.

Miss. KeCy
Miss. KeCy

Anusha K.C

Anusha K.C is a dynamic writer with a keen interest in uncovering the stories that lie beneath the surface of the sports world. Her articles offer readers a fresh perspective on athletes and sporting events, blending insightful analysis with engaging storytelling.

Expertise:

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Highlights

  • Anusha shares inspiring stories of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve success.
  • She explores the off-field lives of athletes, from their training routines and dietary habits.

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Anusha's passion for sports journalism is rooted in a love of competition and a fascination with the human stories behind athletic achievement. With a background in writing and a keen eye for detail, she brings a unique perspective to her articles, capturing the excitement and emotion of sports with depth and insight.

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