Has Nate Diaz Ever Been Champion in the UFC? | Explained
Nate Diaz is one of the most popular fighters in UFC history for a multitude of reasons.
But has Nate Diaz ever been a champion in the UFC?
In this page, we will explain.
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Has Nate Diaz Ever Been Champion in the UFC?
Nate Diaz has never been a UFC champion, but has been in contention near the title throughout his career.
The closest that Diaz has gotten to a UFC belt is when he would challenge Benson Henderson in 2012 for the Lightweight Championship at UFC on Fox: Henderson vs Diaz.
Diaz would end up losing all five rounds via Unanimous decision.
BMF Belt
Although that would be the only time that he took part in a Championship bout in his career, he would end up fighting for a different type of UFC belt as well.
The Baddest Mother****** UFC Belt was introduced for UFC 244, when Nate Diaz would face-off against Jorge Masvidal.
This belt was specifically created for only this fight, as these two fighters are some of the longest tenured fighters in the UFC, and their personalities of fighting anyone at any time, regardless of their chances of winning, is very rare in Mixed Martial Arts.
The UFC would do something they've never done before and create 'The Baddest Mother******' belt to honor both of these fighters.
This belt, unlike any of the other belts in UFC history, wouldn't declare a champion of any weight class.
It was simply made for this one-time event.
Unfortunately, Diaz would lose this fight due to a Doctor's stoppage from a facial cut.
What Makes Nate Diaz So Popular?
Many people look at Nate Diaz's MMA record, and are confused why he is so popular.
His record is rather unimpressive as he has double digit losses, in addition to never having won a UFC belt.
The reason why he's so popular is simple, Nate and his brother Nick have a no-nonsense, kill or be killed attitude, along with iron chins and endless cardio.
In a sport where fighters will force trash talk in order to better sell a fight, the authenticity of the Diaz brothers caused fans to gravitate to them.
Nate Diaz exploded in popularity when he would fill in on 11 days notice to take on Conor McGregor at UFC 196.
Diaz would shock the world by submitting McGregor in the second round, and derailing the hype train at at time where McGregor was destroying all of his opponents.
In the post fight interview, Joe Rogan would say "Nate Diaz you just shook up the world, how's that feel?"
Diaz would respond in classic Diaz fashion:
Ay, I'm not surprised Mother*******
Diaz Hardships Growing Up
The Diaz brothers grew up in Stockton, California, and would undergo hardships in every way imaginable throughout their childhood, through their teenage years.
These hardships would quickly harden the brothers, and they'd survive it by sticking together, and using the kill or be killed attitude as their motto.
Despite coming from nothing, and reaching superstar status in the UFC (with a whole lot of money coming with that title), the Diaz brothers have remained exactly the same as they were when they had nothing.
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