Nate Diaz lost grudge match against TUF rival 3 years before getting violent ‘KO of the Night’ revenge

Nate Diaz suffered a loss 16 years ago today that he would avenge in emphatic fashion.

Diaz is widely regarded as one of the all-time biggest fan favorites seen in the UFC, having delivered thrilling performances regardless of whether or not he had his hand raised.

When looking back on his career, Diaz’s shocking submission win over Conor McGregor is likely the first victory that comes to mind for MMA enthusiasts. But one of his greatest triumphs came a few years earlier, when the Stockton star closed out his trilogy with Gray Maynard in devastating fashion.

While Diaz had already gotten the better of Maynard on The Ultimate Fighter, their 2013 contest was the chance for redemption after ‘The Bully’ had leveled the score inside the Octagon.

Nate Diaz was beaten by Gray Maynard before mauling him in their trilogy fight

Diaz recorded a trio of submissions against Rob Emerson, Corey Hill, and Maynard en route to the final of The Ultimate Fighter 5.

While Diaz’s victory over Manny Gamburyan to win the tournament secured his spot on the roster, Maynard also began his undefeated run in the Octagon at the finale event with a wild double slam TKO against Emerson.

He and Diaz would later renew hostilities in a grudge match on this day, January 11, in 2010.

Having been submitted on TUF, Maynard secured redemption by narrow margins after falling on the right side of a split decision verdict at a UFC Fight Night in Fairfax. The pair taunted each other during the fight, which included a knockdown for Maynard in round two.

That clash 16 years ago today did not mark the end of their rivalry. They settled things in a trilogy in 2013, and Diaz left no doubt about his superiority at The Ultimate Fighter 18 finale by battering Maynard in the event’s ‘Knockout of the Night’.

Maynard would lose four of his remaining six fights before leaving the UFC and retiring after a loss to Nik Lentz. Diaz, meanwhile, would go on to enjoy his memorable rise to stardom.