“Fans Are Rabid” – Ben Askren Fears Nate Diaz ‘Army’ After Exposing Superstar’s Underwhelming Career

Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren highlights the inconsistency of Stockton superstar Nate Diaz's UFC career.

“Fans Are Rabid” – Ben Askren Fears Nate Diaz ‘Army’ After Exposing Superstar’s Underwhelming Career

Ben Askren talks about Nate Diaz's career (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

Nate Diaz is one of the most popular fighters in UFC history and built his image through memorable performances. His trash talk and Stockton gangster persona undoubtedly made him a superstar in modern MMA.

Diaz fought many top names on the roster, but those bouts did not always end in victory. Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren recently highlighted the Stockton natives rocky career trajectory. For the unversed, Diaz made his UFC debut in 2007 after winning The Ultimate Fighter 5 and quickly established himself with wins over Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller.

A major turning point came in 2016 when he submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 196. Later that year, Diaz faced the Irishman again at UFC 202 and lost the rematch by decision. These two fights remain defining moments in his career, illustrating both his skill.

Following the McGregor rematch, Diaz went 2‑2 in his next four UFC fights. He eventually left the UFC after securing a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in 2022. At that point, Diaz held a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 13 losses. This inconsistent trajectory in high-profile bouts served as the basis for Askren’s critical comments regarding Diaz’s legacy and overall skill level.

Nate Diaz, I don’t even think he’s that good, but he has convinced people he’s good at fighting somehow, some way. He was average. His record is 21–13. That’s not that great. Within the UFC, he was 16–12. Please don’t post this clip because the Diaz Army will attack me.

Ben Askren via YouTube

After retiring from the UFC, Diaz transitioned to boxing, making his debut against Jake Paul, whom he lost to by unanimous decision. He later achieved his first professional boxing win in 2024, avenging his MMA loss to Jorge Masvidal in the squared circle. These ventures show Diaz’s continued interest in combat sports beyond mixed martial arts, while testing his skill set in a different discipline.

This is not the first time Askren and Diaz have been publicly at odds. ‘Funky’ previously called out Diaz after the Stockton gangster trolled his knockout loss to Jake Paul. The ongoing tension highlights a rivalry that extends beyond the cage, with both athletes using social media and commentary to express their viewpoints. Such exchanges have drawn attention due to both fighters’ visibility in combat sports.

Today, Diaz is often seen roaming with his training team and maintaining a high-profile public presence. His persona remains closely tied to his “Stockton gangster” image, which has included occasional legal incidents and street altercations. Ben Askren’s criticisms continue to follow Diaz, often highlighting his inconsistent career and public antics. Despite this, Diaz maintains relevance both inside and outside the ring.

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Ben Askren talks about his hospital experiences with high medication

Ben Askren faced a serious health scare in mid-2025, suffering from severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. The illness led to lung failure, requiring an urgent double lung transplant. He spent several months in the hospital recovering and lost a significant amount of weight during the ordeal. The near-fatal crisis drew attention to the risks athletes can face even after retirement.

Ben Askren on the hospital bed (via X)
Ben Askren on the hospital bed (via X)

After his recovery, Askren inspired many with his rapid progress and motivational videos, sharing insights into his mindset during hospitalization. He recently spoke about how the medication had him unusually agitated, even cursing at nurses during his stay. These candid reflections showed how he coped with frustration and discomfort while maintaining determination to recover.

I was so mad that morning, probably they had me on drugs. I was so mad. I kept flipping off the nurses every time they’d leave the room. I’d be like, guys, you’ve got to get me out of here, you can’t kidnap me. And they were like, dude, no, you’re connected to so many wires. And I started calling names. I was like, you guys are *****. Get me out of here right now.

Ben Askren via YouTube

Now, Ben Askren is slowly returning to the public eye, gradually resuming work as an analyst and participating in UFC-related discussions. While still rebuilding strength, his insights on fighters and matchups remain valued by the MMA community. His journey emphasizes both recovery and the ongoing influence he maintains within combat sports circles.

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