Ben Askren makes bold claims about Nate Diaz

Ben Askren has shared his opinion on Nate Diaz’s MMA career, saying the Stockton slugger was an average fighter.

Diaz is regarded as one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, and has made his name due to his durability, grit and tenacity in the cage.

Although the Stockton native has never captured a gold at UFC, however, he is praised for bringing eyeballs to the sport and helping to bring MMA to the mainstream.

Diaz has a record of 21-13 as a professional and has defeated the big names like Conor McGregor, Anthony Pettis, Tony Ferguson and Michael Johnson.

While many believe Nate Diaz is a bona fide legend, Ben Askren has explained why he sees the UFC star as an average fighter.

"Nate Diaz... I don't even think he's that good. I'll go look at his record if you want me to. 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,” Askren said during a conversation with Daniel Cormier.

“That's not very good... Please don’t post this clip because the Diaz Army will attack me. He has some fans who are rabid."

Former UFC star Askren’s health is on its way towards recovery after he underwent a double lung transplant last year.

Askren was first hospitalised on June 7, 2025, in Wisconsin after falling critically ill with pneumonia, but was diagnosed with severe lung damage. He was put on a ventilator and almost died.

However, the former UFC fighter made a miraculous recovery and now looks in much better shape than before.