Nick Diaz Biography

Nicholas Robert Diaz, born August 2, 1983, is an American professional mixed martial artist who has competed in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions of the UFC. Diaz has held championship titles in the Strikeforce, WEC, and IFC organizations and has challenged for the UFC title. The loss of his girlfriend Stephanie to suicide occurred shortly before his professional mixed martial arts debut. Before his official debut, Diaz participated in unsanctioned bare knuckle MMA matches. Diaz began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2001, winning his first fight by submitting Mike Wick with a triangle choke at IFC Warriors Challenge 15. He captured the IFC Welterweight Championship in July 2002, defeating Chris Lytle at IFC Warriors Challenge 17. On April 10, 2007, the Nevada State Athletic Commission reported that Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his victory over Gomi.