Back in 2007, nobody really knew what to make of the skinny kid from Stockton with the mean mug and the "209" attitude. Most fans just saw him as Nick Diaz’s younger brother. That changed fast. When you look back at the nate diaz tuf fights, you aren't just looking at a tournament bracket; you’re looking at the birth of a cultural icon.
Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter was different. It was the first time the show featured only lightweights, and the house was a powder keg of ego, talent, and sheer weirdness. Honestly, the UFC was still trying to find its footing in the mainstream. Nate wasn't the favorite. He wasn't the biggest guy. But he had that specific, grimy durability that eventually made him a household name.
The Emerson Beef: Where It All Started
Before the first of the nate diaz tuf fights even happened, there was drama. You probably remember Rob Emerson—the guy who later had that double knockout "no contest" against Gray Maynard. Emerson and some of Team Penn were acting up in the house, running around in thongs, which didn't sit right with Nate.
Then Emerson wrote "Team Pulver: Suck It" on the wall.
Nate took it personally. He started scrawling "209" on every surface he could find. When it came time to pick fights, Nate didn't want the easiest path; he wanted the guy who annoyed him. He called out Emerson.
The fight itself was a preview of the "Diaz Style." In the first round, they traded leather. Emerson was game, but Diaz’s pace started to melt him. By the second round, Nate took him down and sunk in a rear-naked choke at 4:45. It wasn't just a win. It was a statement. Dana White actually told them it was one of the best fights in the history of the show.
Submitting a Future Legend: Nate Diaz vs. Corey Hill
The quarterfinals put Nate up against Corey Hill. This one is tough to look back on because of Corey’s tragic passing years later, but at the time, Hill was a massive 6'4" lightweight with insane reach. People thought he might be the dark horse of the tournament.
Nate didn't care about the reach. He just moved forward.
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Basically, Nate did what the Diaz brothers do best: he made it a dogfight. He lured Hill into a grappling exchange and locked up a triangle choke. Hill tapped at 3:02 of the first round. It was clinical. At this point, the house started realizing that Nate wasn't just "Nick's brother." He was a legitimate problem on the ground.
The Gray Maynard Rivalry Begins
If you want to understand the nate diaz tuf fights that actually shaped his career, you have to talk about the semifinals. Gray Maynard was a powerhouse wrestler. This was the classic "Striker/Grappler vs. Elite Wrestler" matchup.
Maynard wanted to grind Nate out.
For a while, it worked. Gray used that heavy top pressure, but Nate’s guard was active. He never stopped moving. In the second round, Nate saw an opening and latched onto a guillotine choke. Maynard had to tap at 1:17.
This win sent Nate to the finale, but it also kicked off a trilogy that would span years. They fought again in 2010 (Gray won a controversial split decision) and once more in 2013, where Nate absolutely demolished him in the first round. But it all started in that small gym in Las Vegas with no fans and just a couple of cameras.
The Weirdest Finale in TUF History
The finale of TUF 5 against Manny Gamburyan is one of those "what if" moments in MMA history. Manny was a beast. He was tossing people around all season with judo throws that looked like they belonged in a comic book.
The fight started, and Manny was actually doing well. He was landing big shots and looked physically stronger. Then, in the second round, Manny shot in for a takedown.
Something went wrong.
As Manny drove forward, his right shoulder popped out of the socket. He hit the ground and immediately tapped out due to the injury. Just 20 seconds into the second round, it was over. Nate Diaz was officially the TUF 5 winner.
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It felt sort of anti-climactic at the moment, but Nate didn't care. He got the glass trophy, the contract, and a $50,000 "Knockout of the Night" bonus (which is hilarious considering it was a shoulder injury submission, but that's the UFC for you).
Why Those Fights Still Matter Today
People talk about the Conor McGregor fights or the Leon Edwards head kick, but the nate diaz tuf fights are where the blueprint was written.
- Pace: He never stops moving forward.
- Durability: He takes a shot to give two.
- Submission IQ: If you get lazy in his guard, you’re going to sleep.
- Authenticity: He was the same guy in 2007 that he is today.
There was a moment on the show where Karo Parisyan (Manny’s cousin and a UFC vet) tried to "big bro" Nate, slapping him and talking down to him. Nate didn't blink. He got right in his face. That lack of fear is why he became a superstar. He wasn't intimidated by the "vets" then, and he wasn't intimidated by the "money fights" later.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Historians
If you’re looking to go back and watch the nate diaz tuf fights, don't just look at the finishes. Watch the rounds leading up to them.
- Notice the Boxing: Even back then, Nate used that long, rhythmic "Stockton Slap" style of boxing to frustrate guys who had more traditional "clean" technique.
- Watch the Guard Work: Nate’s ability to stay calm on his back against high-level wrestlers like Maynard and Gamburyan is a masterclass in BJJ for MMA.
- Check the Body Language: Notice how he never looks tired. It’s a psychological weapon he’s used for twenty years.
The TUF 5 run wasn't a fluke. Nate submitted three out of four opponents on the show. He proved that the Diaz name wasn't just hype; it was a standard of toughness that the lightweight division wasn't ready for.
Go back and find the Rob Emerson fight. Watch the way Nate handles the "house drama" by simply outworking the guy in the cage. It's the most "Nate Diaz" thing you'll ever see, and it's the reason why, nearly two decades later, we're still talking about it.