From his epic bouts inside the octagon to his infamous incident with Conor McGregor at a press conference, Nate Diaz defines what a fighter is. His determination and skills have made him a revered figure in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). One part of his game that often gets overlooked, though, is his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only is Diaz a practitioner, but his lineage also traces back to some of the most prominent names in the sport.
On Saturday, August 5, Nate Diaz will enter the boxing ring against YouTube sensation and professional boxer Jake Paul. Prior to the Paul vs Diaz bout, we will dive into Nate’s background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Beginning: An Introduction to the Art
Nate Diaz, alongside his brother Nick, was introduced to martial arts at a very young age. Growing up in the tough neighborhood of Stockton, California, the Diaz brothers found a refuge in training sessions. Under the guidance of Steve Heath, they began their journey into combat sports with wrestling and eventually expanded into BJJ.
The discipline, grit and tactical nous in BJJ resonated with Diaz, making it an integral part of his fighting style.
The Gracie Influence: Embracing BJJ
The Gracie family, particularly Cesar Gracie, holds a significant influence on the Diaz brothers’ BJJ lineage. Cesar Gracie, part of the legendary Gracie family, took the Diaz brothers under his wing after observing their potential and instilled in them the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Training under Gracie not only made them experts in grappling but also exposed them to the competitive nature of BJJ. It is under the tutelage of Cesar Gracie and the influence of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that Nate Diaz honed his extraordinary ground game.
All-rounded Mastery: Achieving the Black Belt
Officially receiving his BJJ black belt from Cesar Gracie in 2012, Nate Diaz showcased his mastery by winning numerous competitions. He even managed to take down McGregor with a rear-naked choke during their first bout at UFC 196, demonstrating his exceptional skills that stemmed from his profound BJJ lineage.
The Diaz Stamp: Making BJJ his Own
Beyond just learning from his mentors and lineage, Diaz has developed his unique style. He combined elements of boxing and grappling, creating a never-before-seen style that perplexes and confounds his opponents.
Diaz does not just practice BJJ, he personifies it, making it a part of his fighting identity.
From being a student with a willingness to learn and improve to becoming a revered figure in the BJJ and MMA scene, Nate Diaz’s journey is testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and an excellent lineage. The imprint of this lineage can be seen not just in Diaz’s fighting style, but also in his attitude and approach to the sport and life in general.
Known for his fearless approach, relentless mental strength, and unique fighting style, Diaz’s specialized submission ability has often been the game changer in many of his epic showdowns. In this article, we delve into Diaz’s top three submission wins, which have not only reflected his mastery but also added multiple feathers to his cap.
1. Diaz vs. McGregor – UFC 196
Few moments in UFC history match the sheer intensity of Diaz’s win over Conor McGregor at UFC 196. This March 2016 fight, which was Diaz’s return to the UFC after a short hiatus, instantly became the stuff of legends. Diaz, a late addition to the card in place of injured Rafael Dos Anjos, took on the challenge in a higher weight class, with less than two weeks of preparation time.
The fight started with McGregor dominating the first round, landing significant strikes. However, Diaz turned the tide in the second when he staggered McGregor with a 1-2 combination, which opened the door to a ground game Diaz is so famed for; he initiated a rear-naked choke, forcing McGregor to tap out. This victory personified Diaz’s hallmark ability to endure, adjust, and emerge victorious.
2. Diaz vs. Pellegrino – UFC Fight Night 13
Another major highlight of Diaz’s career was his submission victory over Kurt Pellegrino in April 2008. This was not just a victory, but it took the form of a statement that Diaz was more than just a participant on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show.
What many remember from this showdown is Diaz’s iconic finish: a stunning triangle choke that Pellegrino had no answer for. As Diaz locked in the hold, he tauntingly raised his middle fingers, celebrating his imminent win even before Pellegrino tapped out. It was a display of both technique and Diaz’s confidence in his submission skills.
3. Diaz vs. Gomi – UFC 135
In September 2011, another mesmerizing show of Diaz’s supreme submission skill was witnessed when he faced Takanori Gomi at UFC 135. In this lightweight battle, Diaz showcased his traditional but always surprising jiu-jitsu arsenal.
Following a brutal exchange, Diaz managed to put Gomi on the mat and effortlessly transitioned to an armbar, causing Gomi to tap out and awarding Diaz the win via armbar submission. This victory reaffirmed Diaz’s versatility, showcasing his adaptability and creative forms of threat in the Octagon.
Nate Diaz’s career is a testament to the tactical cleverness and unique versatility in his fighting style. These three wins underscore the importance of diversity in MMA, as Diaz can always find a way to his opponents’ weaknesses, forcing them to tap out when they least expect it. They also emphasize Diaz’s superior submission game, which remains as one of the most feared and respected in the UFC.
