Nate Diaz
Born	Nathan Donald Diaz (1985-04-16) April 16, 1985 (age 27) Stockton, California, United States
Residence	Stockton, California
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	156 lb (71 kg; 11.1 st)
Division	Lightweight Welterweight
Reach	76.0 in (193 cm)
Stance	Southpaw
Fighting out of	Stockton, California
Team	Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu El Niño Sports Fairtex Gym
Trainer	Cesar Gracie
Rank	Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active	2004-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	23
Wins	16
By knockout	3
By submission	11
By decision	2
Losses	7
By submission	1
By decision	6
Notable relatives	Nick Diaz, brother Vincent Anthony, cousin
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Nathan Donald Diaz (born April 16, 1985) is an American mixed martial artist of Mexican descent, currently competing for the UFC in the welterweight and lightweight divisions. He is the Ultimate Fighter Season 5 champion and has amassed victories in Strikeforce and World Extreme Cagefighting.

Diaz is a graduate of Tokay High School in Lodi, California and holds a black belt in Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He is the younger brother of former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz.^[1] Diaz is affiliated with the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Lodi, California, where he trains under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie.^[2] Diaz received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on April 6, 2012 from Cesar Gracie. He is currently ranked #7 lightweight fighter in the world.

Mixed martial arts career[link]

[edit] The Ultimate Fighter 5

He was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 5 show, of course exclusively featuring lightweights. He fought on Jens Pulver's team. In the preliminary round, Diaz defeated Rob Emerson by submission; in the quarterfinals he defeated fellow Team Pulver teammate Corey Hill via triangle choke in the first round. In the semifinals, he defeated Team Penn member Gray Maynard by submission, advancing to the finals where he faced Manvel Gamburyan.

Though Gamburyan won the first round, he was forced to submit in the second round due to the dislocation of his right shoulder as the result of attempting a takedown.^[3] With this, Diaz became the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5.^[4]

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

After defeating Alvin Robinson at UFC Fight Night 12 he demanded tougher fighters. Diaz was given a match with Kurt Pellegrino at UFC Fight Night 13. Diaz defeated Pellegrino via submission (triangle choke) in the second round. During the choke, Diaz had time to flex for the crowd and throw up double middle fingers before putting Pellegrino away.

Diaz defeated Josh Neer by split decision at UFC Fight Night 15.^[5]

Diaz then fought Clay Guida at UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2, losing via split decision. Guida offered his familiar offense, grappling to take Diaz down multiple times. Diaz flipped Guida several times using judo-esque switches when Guida had his back. These switches failed to improve position for Diaz. In the 2nd round, Guida and Diaz stood and Diaz opened up with his boxing range. After three rounds, the judge awarded Guida the split decision victory, marking Diaz's first loss in the UFC in what was also his PPV ( Pay-per-view ) debut.

Diaz met Joe Stevenson at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale. Diaz struggled with Stevenson's wrestling skills, and while active on the ground, was controlled with takedowns and top position throughout the 3 rounds, unable to work significant submission offense or stand on his feet. He lost by unanimous decision.

After two consecutive losses by decision, he was billed to headline UFC Fight Night 19 opposite Melvin Guillard. Diaz was knocked down by a right hook seconds into the fight but recovered quickly, scoring two trip takedowns after being flipped once by Guillard executing a judo throw (harai goshi). He displayed fortitude throughout the rest of the fight, maintaining composure when hit flush several times, becoming more accurate and effective with his boxing in the second stanza, and after backing up Guillard with a left and right jab combo, his opponent backed up until he bounced off the side of the cage, missed with a swing and looked to take Diaz down. At this moment Diaz locked in a modified guillotine choke or a half Peruvian neck-tie, using his right leg to keep Melvin in position. He seemed to acknowledge the crowd in attendance before Guillard tapped and Diaz won at 2:30 of round 2.

Diaz faced Gray Maynard on January 11, 2010 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 20, a rematch from when the two met in the semi-finals of the TUF 5 lightweight tournament, where Diaz won. Diaz lost in a controversial^{[citation needed]} decision to Maynard, as the former TUF winner was given the nod in the FightMetric reports, winning rounds two and three.^[6]

After three losses in four fights, Nate considered making a permanent move up in weight to the 170 lb. weight class, stating "I don't make enough money to have to drop this much weight so I'd like to fight at 170 and only go to [155] every once in awhile."^[7]

He then entered into talks to make his welterweight debut at UFC 111. A fight against Rory Markham was later confirmed.^[8] At the weigh-ins, Markham weighed in at 177, whereas Diaz weighed in at the welterweight limit of 171 and the fight was changed to a catchweight fight. Diaz went on to win the fight by TKO in the first round.

After the win over Markham, Diaz stated he would compete in both weight classes. His next fight was again at welterweight against Marcus Davis on August 28, 2010 at UFC 118. Nate Diaz won the fight by using his reach advantage to great effect, peppering Davis with punches that caused considerable damage over time. Diaz finished Davis via guillotine choke in the final round; the bout earned Fight of the Night honors.^[9]

Diaz lost by unanimous decision to Dong Hyun Kim, on January 1, 2011 at UFC 125.^[10] Diaz was taken down and controlled by Kim for the first two rounds. While Nate won the final round by pushing the action against a fading Kim, it was too late. Diaz lost the fight 29-28 on all judges' score cards.

Diaz fought Rory MacDonald on April 30, 2011 at UFC 129.^[11] Diaz was unable to mount much significant offense, failing at takedowns, and was largely controlled by MacDonald, losing via unanimous decision. Following the loss, Diaz stated that he would be moving back down to the Lightweight division.

Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135 via armbar in the first round. During the fight, Diaz showed improved boxing, rocking Gomi on several occasions and also showed good ground skills, transitioning perfectly from the triangle to the armbar.^[12]

Diaz defeated Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 via unanimous decision, in a performance that earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.^[13] Despite being knocked off of his feet multiple times by leg kicks from Cerrone, Diaz had one of the best performances of his career. Diaz set a CompuStrike record, landing 82% of the strikes he threw en route to his victory over Cerrone.^[14]

Diaz next faced Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.^[15] Diaz was dominant on the feet for two rounds, even scoring a knock down in the first round, until Miller applied a takedown, to which Diaz immediately responded with a tight guillotine choke, forcing the tap at 4:09 of the second round. The submission won Diaz his fourth Submission of the Night bonus award.^[16] In the post-fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Diaz had accepted a title shot and will wait to face the winner of the Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar rematch this summer.^[17]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Mixed Martial Arts[link]

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament Winner
  • Fight Of The Night (Five times)
  • Submission of the Night (Four times)

Mixed martial arts record[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official site of Nathan Diaz
• Professional MMA record for Nathan Diaz from Sherdog
• Official UFC Profile

Joshua Joseph Thomson (born September 21, 1978) is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion.

Mixed martial arts career[link]

Thomson started out very strongly in his MMA career winning his first two professional bouts, before going to a no contest with Norifumi Yamamoto. Thomson would then go on to win his next three fights, including a win over former WEC Lightweight Champion Rob McCullough.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

Thomson made his debut in the UFC at UFC 44 defeating Gerald Strebendt by knockout in the first round. He would then pick up a decision victory over Hermes Franca in an incredible fight at UFC 46, before falling victim in his next fight to a highlight reel KO finish at the hands and foot of Yves Edwards.

Strikeforce[link]

Thomson was 2-1 in the UFC and 7-1(1) overall before leaving the UFC and opting instead to go overseas to Japan and fight once for PRIDE FC. He won his single fight in PRIDE by submission in the 1st round. Thomson then signed with Strikeforce and would lose his debut fight with the company (a fight for the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship to Clay Guida) but would then go on to win his next six fights, including victories over Duane Ludwig and Nam Phan and would earn another shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.

On June 27, 2008, he defeated Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson to become the new Strikeforce Lightweight Champion.

On April 11, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce's debut on the Showtime Network, but had to pull out after breaking his ankle while training on April 1, 2009. Rodrigo Damm was selected to take Thomson's place on the card.

On August 15, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to unify his title with the newly crowned Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, but was not medically cleared to fight due to his leg still bothering him. Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to take Thomson's place against Melendez.^[1]

On December 19, 2009 at Strikeforce: Evolution, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship.^[2] Thomson would lose the fight by unanimous decision, but the fight would see both fighters put it all on the line in what would prove to be a very fast-paced and exciting fight.

Thomson fought Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum and won by rear naked choke late in the 3rd round. After this win, Dave Camarillo granted him his black belt in Guerrilla Ju-Jitsu. Thomson broke two ribs during the fight on Healy's very first takedown and fought the rest of the fight very defensively.

Thomson fought Gesias Cavalcante on October 9, 2010 at Strikeforce: San Jose where he won a controversial unanimous decision.^[3]

Thomson's next fight was against Tatsuya Kawajiri under the Dream banner at its end of year event Dynamite!! 2010.^[4] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Thomson was expected to face promotional newcomer Maximo Blanco at Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov but yet another injury forced him out of the bout.

Thomson returned in March 2012 and face K.J. Noons at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.^[5] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Thomson once again faced Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier in San Jose, California on May 19, 2012. He lost the fight via split decision.

Personal life[link]

Thomson is of part Mexican descent on his mother's side.^[6]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Strikeforce
  • Strikeforce Lightweight Championship (One time)
  • Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship (One time; First; Last)

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	19–5 (1)	Gilbert Melendez	Decision (split)	Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier	02012-05-19May 19, 2012	5	5:00	San Jose, California, United States	For Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win	19–4 (1)	KJ Noons	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey	02012-03-03March 3, 2012	3	5:00	Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss	18–4 (1)	Tatsuya Kawajiri	Decision (unanimous)	Dynamite!! 2010	02010-12-31December 31, 2010	3	5:00	Saitama, Japan, Japan
Win	18–3 (1)	Gesias Cavalcante	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce 28	02010-10-09October 9, 2010	3	5:00	San Jose, California, United States
Win	17–3 (1)	Pat Healy	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum	02010-06-26June 26, 2010	3	4:27	San Jose, California, United States
Loss	16–3 (1)	Gilbert Melendez	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Evolution	02009-12-19December 19, 2009	5	5:00	San Jose, California, United States	Lost Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win	16–2 (1)	Ashe Bowman	TKO (punches)	Strikeforce: At The Mansion II	02008-09-20September 20, 2008	1	1:14	Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win	15–2 (1)	Gilbert Melendez	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson	02008-06-27June 27, 2008	5	5:00	San Jose, California, United States	WonStrikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win	14–2 (1)	Adam Lynn	TKO (punches)	Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion	02007-09-29September 29, 2007	1	4:45	Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win	13–2 (1)	Nick Gonzalez	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni	02007-06-22June 22, 2007	1	1:42	San Jose, California, United States	Defended Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship
Win	12–2 (1)	Nam Phan	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Triple Threat	02006-12-08December 8, 2006	3	5:00	San Jose, California, United States	Won Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship
Win	11–2 (1)	Duane Ludwig	Submission (guillotine choke)	Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello	02006-10-07October 7, 2006	2	4:36	Fresno, California, United States
Win	10–2 (1)	Rocky Johnson	Submission (armbar)	PFA: Pride and Fury 5	02006-07-06July 6, 2006	1	1:55	Worley, Idaho, United States
Win	9–2 (1)	Harris Sarmiento	Submission (arm-triangle choke)	Strikeforce: Revenge	02006-06-09June 9, 2006	3	3:19	San Jose, California, United States
Loss	8–2 (1)	Clay Guida	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie	02006-03-10March 10, 2006	5	5:00	San Jose, California, United States	For vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship; Guida was docked 1 point for eye gouging.
Win	8–1 (1)	Daisuke Sugie	Submission (kneebar)	Pride Bushido 8	02005-07-17July 17, 2005	1	4:35	Nagoya, Japan
Loss	7–1 (1)	Yves Edwards	KO (flying head kick & punches)	UFC 49	02004-08-21August 21, 2004	1	4:32	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	7–0 (1)	Hermes França	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 46	02004-01-31January 31, 2004	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	6–0 (1)	Gerald Strebendt	KO (punches)	UFC 44	02003-09-26September 26, 2003	1	2:45	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	5–0 (1)	Rob McCullough	Decision (unanimous)	WFA 3: Level 3	02002-11-23November 23, 2002	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	4–0 (1)	Kajan Johnson	Submission (elbows)	SE: North American Sport Fighting Invitational	02002-09-07September 7, 2002	2	4:56	Boise, Idaho, United States
Win	3–0 (1)	Doug Evans	Submission (triangle choke)	NW Submission Fighting 1	02002-05-04May 4, 2002	1	1:29	Boise, Idaho, United States
NC	2–0 (1)	Norifumi Yamamoto	NC (accidental groin kick)	Shogun 1	02001-12-15December 15, 2001	2	2:00	Honolulu, Hawaii, United States	Yamamoto was kicked in the groin
Win	2–0	Víctor Estrada	Submission (triangle choke)	Gladiators Vale Tudo	02001-03-10March 10, 2001			Worley, Idaho, United States
Win	1–0	Jason Abajian	KO (punches)	Bushido 1	02001-01-18January 18, 2001	1		Tempe, Arizona, United States

See also[link]

• List of male mixed martial artists

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Professional MMA record for Josh Thomson from Sherdog

Cesar Gracie is a 7th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former mixed martial arts fighter who trains a number of top fighters in Pleasant Hill, California. Cesar is a member of the Gracie family, the son of Sonja Gracie-Gronning (who is the daughter of Carlos Gracie) and not to be confused with his cousin also named Cesar Gracie who is the son of Reylson Gracie.

Biography[link]

Gracie received his black belt from his uncle Carlos Robson Gracie on February 15, 1992. At that time, Robson headed the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. In 1996, Gracie received another certificate from his other uncle Carlos Gracie Jr., founder of Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ) and son of Carlos Gracie who, along with brother Helio Gracie, were the co-founders of "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu", also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie was the 3rd Gracie in North America to open a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Gym (the first was his uncle Carley Gracie in 1972^[2] and his cousin Rorion Gracie in 1978.^[3] Gracie's students include black belts David Terrell, former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields^[4] and former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz who won The Ultimate Fighter 5,brown belts Bret Bergmark, and current Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez.

Film[link]

Gracie appeared alongside his fighters in the mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, the film is directed by independent filmmaker James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films.^[5]

Gracie is well known for his DVD Jiu-Jitsu instructional series.

Mixed martial arts career[link]

On March 10, 2006, Gracie made his mixed martial arts debut, taking on former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Frank Shamrock in the main event of the Strikeforce: "Shamrock vs. Gracie" pay-per-view event. Shamrock knocked out Gracie just 20 seconds into the first round.

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	0–1	Frank Shamrock	KO (punch)	Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie	02006-03-10March 10, 2006	1	0:20	San Jose, California, United States

References[link]