Sherdog’s Top 10: The Ultimate Fighters

Brian KnappNov 30, 2016

4. Nate Diaz

The younger brother of former Strikeforce and World Extreme Cagefighting welterweight titleholder Nick Diaz, the 31-year-old Californian has made a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Diaz holds the rank of black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Cesar Gracie and has proven himself a potent finisher in a career that stretches back more than 12 years. “The Ultimate Fighter 5” winner has enjoyed plenty of ups and endured some downs, but he has been a mainstay in the UFC since 2007. Diaz owns victories over Michael Johnson, Donald Cerrone, Gray Maynard, Jim Miller and Takanori Gomi; and like his older brother, he has become known as much for his antics as he has for his ability.

Tied with Joe Lauzon for the most post-fight performance bonuses (15) in UFC history, Diaz pushed his profile to new heights in 2016, as he engaged Conor McGregor in an all-time great rivalry. He submitted McGregor with a rear-naked choke at UFC 196 on March 5 before losing a majority decision to the Irishman in their UFC 202 rematch in August.

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