Widely regarded as one of the icons in the MMA, Nate Diaz has participated in numerous high-stakes matches. The American warrior’s indomitable spirit is immensely cherished by his followers. Currently, Nate Diaz is contemplating a comeback to the UFC in 2024, but which weight category will he compete in? Let’s delve into it.
Commonly referred to as the “Stockton Slugger,” Diaz has competed across various divisions in the UFC, boasting remarkable records in each. We’ll also examine which weight division would best suit Nate Diaz as he prepares for his eagerly anticipated return to MMA as he inches closer to 40.
Nate Diaz Weight Class: Unraveling His Division in MMA:
Known as both the “Stockton Slap” and “Stockton Slugger,” Nate Diaz is among the most renowned mixed martial artists in the UFC. Part of Dana White’s promotion for over 15 years after clinching victory in The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz first appeared in the UFC as a lightweight contender facing fellow newcomer Manvel Gamburyan in the tournament final.
Between 2004 and 2010, Nate Diaz competed in the UFC’s Lightweight (155lbs) divisionbefore moving up to Welterweight (170lbs) until 2011. He then returned to the lightweight division in 2015, only to switch back to Welterweight in 2016.
Presently, weighing around 170lbs and standing 6 feet tall, Nate Diaz competes in the Welterweight division. His last MMA bout was against MMA veteran Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, securing victory via a guillotine choke submission when Ferguson went for a takedown.
In Which Division was Nate Diaz vs Jake Paul Held?
Following his victory over Ferguson at UFC 279, Nate Diaz seemed to bid farewell to MMA. Nonetheless, the Stockton native chose to continue his fighting career and took on prominent social media figure turned boxer, Jake Paul. Their match occurred on August 05, 2023.
The crossover boxing bout between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz took place at a catchweight of 185lbs. While Jake typically fights as a cruiserweight, Diaz is naturally a welterweight. Had the fight been under MMA rules, it would have likely fallen under the Middleweight division, which doesn’t exist in boxing.
Which Weight Class will Nate Diaz Return to in MMA?
Ever since rumors of Nate Diaz’s potential return at UFC 300 surfaced, speculation has been rife about who his opponent could be and which weight division he’ll join. Formerly a key player in the lightweight class, Diaz last fought in the welterweight division.
Nate Diaz is expected to fight in the welterweight (170lbs) division upon his return to MMA and the UFC. However, he may also consider shedding some weight to return to the lightweight division if Dana White insists, as hinted by earlier rumors.
Nate Diaz MMA Stats & Record:
A seasoned mixed martial artist, Nate Diaz has been part of the UFC circuit for over 15 years, entering through a win in The Ultimate Fighter 5 show. Prior to his UFC stint, Diaz competed in other organizations including World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and Pancrase.
Diaz has also stepped into the boxing arena. His first match ended in a loss to Jake Paul in August 2023. A lesser-known fact among fans is that he holds the third-highest number of UFC bonus awards with 16 to his name. Although he has never clinched a UFC title belt, he has consistently been a contender for the championship.
Below is a summary of Nate Diaz’s stats and MMA career record:
- Record: 21-13-0
- Wins by KO/Submission: 81%
- DOB: April 16, 1985
- Age: 38 years
- Stance: Southpaw
- Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Reach: 76 inches
- Height: 6-feet
- Current weight: 170 lbs
Will Nate Diaz Return to the UFC?
Nate
Diaz is starting rumors about his potential UFC comeback in 2024. He went on X (formerly Twitter) and posted, “UFC 300 would be tight, but there’s nobody to fight,” subtly indicating his desire to rejoin Dana White’s organization for the event planned for April 2024.
Diaz last competed in the UFC against Tony Ferguson, securing a sensational win. Following this, he left the league and entered the boxing world with a debut fight against influencer Jake Paul. Unfortunately, Paul dominated the match and Diaz suffered a significant defeat.
As Diaz considers his UFC return, his former colleagues are eager to see him back. One such peer is the ex-Interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, who challenged him to a five-round bout via X.
Frequently Answered Questions:
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions about Stockton’s MMA standout Nate Diaz:
Is Nate Diaz lightweight or welterweight?:
Nate Diaz has competed in both the lightweight and welterweight categories. He began his career in the lightweight division in 2004 and remained in the 155lbs class until 2010. Between 2010 and 2011, Diaz fought as a welterweight but then reverted to lightweight. In 2016, he again transitioned back to welterweight.
What rank is Nate Diaz in Welterweight?:
When he last fought Tony Ferguson in the UFC, Nate Diaz was ranked 16th in the welterweight division. The Stockton native holds a record of 21-13. He primarily fought in the lightweight division, making his debut after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, and later moved to welterweight.
Did Nate Diaz ever win a belt?:
Nate Diaz has not secured a championship in the UFC. However, he has often been a contender for both the lightweight and welterweight belts. The closest he came to a title was against Benson Henderson in 2012, but he lost the lightweight championship fight via unanimous decision.
Who is better Nate Diaz or Nick Diaz?:
Nate and Nick Diaz are siblings, with Nick being approximately a year and four months older. Looking at their statistics and records, Nick has more wins and knockouts than Nate and fewer losses in the cage, making Nick Diaz marginally superior to Nate Diaz.