Is there trouble in paradise for one of combat sports’ most famous families?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) icon Nick Diaz has endured a turbulent stretch over the past couple of years, marked by canceled fights, personal struggles, and public concern about his well-being. In 2024 alone, Diaz saw two scheduled bouts fall apart — UFC Abu Dhabi and UFC 310 — followed by the circulation of a troubling video showing him shirtless and lighting grass on fire, which sparked renewed speculation about substance abuse issues fueled by accusations from a former girlfriend.
Those concerns ultimately led Diaz to seek treatment, and he was sent to a rehabilitation facility in Mexico — though the situation was immediately clouded by rumors that he had been “drugged” or “forcibly taken.” Regardless, Diaz has since returned home and appears to be rebuilding his life. He’s been spotted training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas and recently married his longtime girlfriend, Kayla.
“To everyone talking about my life and how they want to control me, you never will again. I was locked up for over a year, and the ones I thought closest to me kept me there for their own motives.
“That old man who keeps claiming to have my best interests and is the spokesman for my family should be discredited. Everything he says is bs and I don’t want to hear it anymore from someone trying to hold me down with negativity and all those YouTubers on his side are scammers starting shit for views.
My circle is small now because of them and I see now why it is that way.
“My wife Kayla is there for me — she always had my back and best interests for me and never held anything over my head for her benefit.
Martin Sano has also been a real one and since the beginning, he’s been hated on, but nothing fazes him — he’s a real day one.
For my brother Nate, I don’t know what his issue is, but you need to cut out the shit talkers in your group to keep it real. They are embarrassing to be around.
Everyone, enjoy your lives, be positive, and enjoy your freedom.”
The most alarming aspect of the statement is Diaz publicly calling out Nate, as the brothers have long been viewed as inseparable. Nick has frequently stated that protecting Nate was a major motivation throughout his career, making the apparent rift especially jarring for longtime fans.
Whether the comments stem from lingering frustration or simple miscommunication remains to be seen, but one can only hope the Diaz brothers are able to resolve things privately — and sooner rather than later.
Nate Diaz has yet to publicly respond.
