Nick Diaz is an all-time fan favorite and has a magnificent professional MMA record of 26-9-0 (2 NC). Now, Diaz aims to make a huge comeback in a rematch against Robbie Lawler this weekend at UFC 266. As we grow closer to UFC 266, let's take a look at the Stockton Native's illustrious journey to the MMA pinnacle.
Diaz made his professional MMA debut on August 31, 2001, against Mike Wick, where he claimed a spectacular first-round submission (triangle choke) victory.
Diaz suffered his first-ever professional loss against Jeremy Jackson on September 28, 2002, via TKO in the first round. However, he successfully avenged his loss twice in the rematch at IFC 18 and in the trilogy fight at UFC 44, which was also his UFC debut.
At UFC 47, the then-lesser known Diaz claimed an upset victory over the then-rising prospect Lawler via KO in the second round.
Diaz left the UFC for a brief period to claim world championship titles in Strikeforce, WEC, and IFC MMA promotions, all in the welterweight division.
Diaz defeated B.J. Penn via unanimous decision at UFC 137 in his UFC comeback. Then, he lost two consecutive fights, an interim UFC welterweight title fight against Carlos Condit and a UFC welterweight title fight against Georges St-Pierre. His last fight against Anderson Silva concluded in a no-contest.