Nate Diaz: Why He Left the UFC, Personal Life, and Career Record

There’s a reason people still talk about Nate Diaz years after his last UFC fight. The Stockton native walked away from the UFC in late 2022 after finishing his contract, leaving fans wondering what’s next. This article separates fact from speculation around his UFC exit, his new family, and the drug test controversy that nearly derailed his career.

Record (MMA): 22-14-0 · Height: 6’0″ · Reach: 76″ · Stance: Southpaw · Team: Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu · Status: Free agent

Nine key stats form one pattern: Diaz’s career rests on a long UFC tenure, a signature win over McGregor, and a recent pivot to boxing.

Why is Nate Diaz no longer in the UFC?

Contract expiration and free agency

• Diaz completed the last fight on his UFC contract by submitting Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 on September 10, 2022 (CBS Sports).
• UFC officials confirmed on November 29, 2022, that Diaz had been removed from the roster, making him a free agent (ESPN).
• His representative, Zach Rosenfield, said the process of free agency would begin immediately after the UFC exit became official (ESPN).

Diaz’s final UFC fights

• Diaz participated in 27 bouts under the UFC banner before leaving (TalkSport).
• He chose to complete his existing contract rather than re-sign before UFC 279 (CBS Sports).
• The UFC had an exclusive negotiating window that later expired (MMA Fighting).

Reasons for not re-signing

• Diaz expressed dissatisfaction with UFC pay and treatment over the years.
• He posted on Instagram, “I’m out. Free.” after leaving.
• UFC president Dana White said Diaz “wanted to test free agency” (Heavy).

Who did Nate Diaz have a baby with?

Misty Brown: mother of Diaz’s child

• According to social media posts, Diaz’s girlfriend Misty Brown gave birth to a baby girl in 2024.
• Brown announced the birth on Instagram.
• No official confirmation from Diaz or his representatives.

Details about the birth of their daughter

• The child is a girl, born in 2024.
• Diaz has not publicly shared the baby’s name.
• This would be his first known child.

How many children does Nate Diaz have?

• Public records indicate one child, a daughter born in 2024.
• No other children are publicly known.

What did Nate Diaz test positive for?

Overview of Diaz’s drug test history

• In October 2019, Diaz withdrew from UFC 244 after reporting elevated levels of a banned substance in his drug test (Yahoo Sports).
• UFC and USADA later said Diaz had trace amounts of LGD-4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator, below the applicable threshold (CBS Sports).
• Independent experts determined the amount offered no appreciable performance-enhancing or therapeutic benefit (ESPN).

The 2023 drug test he passed

• Diaz passed a drug test in 2023, allowing him to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match.
• No violation was found.

Previous marijuana-related suspension

• Diaz was suspended in 2016 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for marijuana metabolites after UFC 202.
• The suspension was brief and did not affect his career trajectory.

The pattern: Diaz has never failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs under the current USADA program. The 2019 incident was classified as an atypical finding, not a violation.

Did Nate Diaz ever lose?

Nate Diaz’s overall MMA record

• Professional record: 22 wins, 14 losses (CBS Sports).
• Boxing record: 0-1 as of early 2025.

Notable losses and wins

• Losses to Benson Henderson, Donald Cerrone, and Jorge Masvidal.
• Most famous win: submission of Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in 2016.
• Also defeated Anthony Pettis, Gray Maynard, and Michael Johnson.

Who is the only UFC fighter who never bled?

• The claim that a fighter never bled is a myth; Diaz has bled in several fights.
• He has a scar on his forehead from a cut suffered in the cage.

Does Nate Diaz like Donald Trump?

Diaz’s political statements and social media

• Diaz has not made a clear public endorsement of Donald Trump.
• His Instagram posts occasionally feature political themes but remain ambiguous.

His relationship with the Trump family

• He has been photographed with Donald Trump Jr., but that does not indicate personal political alignment.
• No confirmed report of Diaz supporting Trump.

Public perception of his views

• Fans speculate based on limited social media activity.
• Diaz has not publicly clarified his stance.

Without a clear statement, any claims about Diaz’s political leanings remain speculation. The few photos with Trump family members are not evidence of endorsement.

Timeline of Nate Diaz’s career

• 2007: UFC debut on The Ultimate Fighter 5.
• 2016: Submits Conor McGregor at UFC 196.
• 2022: Last UFC fight vs. Tony Ferguson; becomes free agent in November.
• 2023: Boxing debut vs. Jake Paul; passes drug test.
• 2024: Boxing match vs. Mike Perry; reported birth of daughter.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Nate Diaz is a free agent as of 2023.
• He passed a drug test in 2023.
• His MMA record is 22-14-0.
• He last fought in the UFC in September 2022.

What’s unclear

• Whether he will return to the UFC or continue boxing.
• His exact political views regarding Donald Trump.
• The details of his contractual dispute with the UFC.
• His next fight opponent or date.
• Full confirmation of his personal life, including reports of a baby with Misty Brown.

I’m out. Free.

Nate Diaz, Instagram post after UFC exit

He wanted to test free agency.

Dana White, UFC president, on Diaz’s departure

No anti-doping policy violation was committed.

USADA statement on Diaz’s 2019 drug test

For Nate Diaz, the choice is clear: continue boxing and maximize his payday, or return to MMA and reclaim his place among the sport’s biggest names. The decision will define the next chapter of his career.

Frequently asked questions