UFC icon Nick Diaz has broken his social media silence after months of alarming rumours, appearing in a new video to directly address fans and dismiss wild claims about his wellbeing.
Diaz Breaks His Silence
The 41-year-old mixed martial arts legend had not been seen publicly for a significant period, fuelling concern among his fanbase. This anxiety peaked earlier in the year when an unidentified woman, claiming to be an ex-girlfriend, posted a series of now-deleted allegations on Instagram. She asserted that Diaz had been forcibly taken across the border into Mexico, drugged, and held against his will in a rehabilitation facility.
According to the mysterious post, his communication was severely restricted and he was allegedly prevented from leaving. Diaz's longtime coach was quick to refute the claims at the time, stating online that the fighter was "healthy and well" and had certainly not been "cloned or kidnapped".
The Reassuring Video Message
Now, a video shared by personal trainer Jose Garcia on Thursday has provided the first visual proof of Diaz in months. In the brief clip, Diaz speaks directly to the camera, stating: "Hey, I'm Nick Diaz. I'd like Squatters Squad, [inaudible], my family to take care of my house. Currently focused on my health and I'll be home soon."
Garcia captioned the post "Straight from Nick Diaz. Watch and listen," and added in a follow-up comment that Nick is in "better health" and has been "clean and sober for almost a year." This message serves as a direct counter to the disturbing narrative that had circulated online.
A History of Bizarre Controversies
This incident is not the first strange episode surrounding the elder Diaz brother. In November of last year, he faced criticism for his use of the personalised video platform Cameo. Numerous customers complained of receiving blank videos or clips with static noise after paying up to $229, with one review calling it a "real scam."
Diaz's career has also been marred by controversy outside the cage. In a notorious 2015 ruling, he was handed a five-year ban from MMA and fined $165,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after a post-fight drug test from UFC 183 showed traces of marijuana metabolites. This was later reduced to an 18-month suspension and a $100,000 fine upon appeal in January 2016.
Despite the overturned result of his fight with Anderson Silva, Diaz did not compete again until 2021, when he lost to Robbie Lawler at UFC 266. The Stockton native holds a professional MMA record of 26-10, with 13 knockouts and eight submissions, and is best known for an 11-fight win streak between 2008 and 2011.
Nick Diaz remains one of the sport's most iconic figures, alongside his younger brother Nate Diaz, who famously submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 196. For now, his latest video message aims to quell the rumours and confirm he is focusing on his personal health.
