UPDATE: Former UFC fighter Nate Diaz surged into the spotlight during WWE Raw on Monday night, but the real star was his 7-year-old daughter, Nikayla Diaz. As the live broadcast unfolded, Nikayla mimicked her father’s iconic flex pose while sitting on his lap, captivating fans and viewers alike. The heartfelt moment quickly went viral, racking up over 2.4 million views on X within hours, showcasing the unexpected bond between the UFC and WWE under their shared ownership by TKO Group Holdings.
The emotional highlight occurred during an event filled with significant moments, including Seth Rollins getting stripped of the World Heavyweight title due to surgery. However, it was Nikayla’s charming imitation that truly resonated with the audience, prompting fans to share the clip across social media platforms.
This viral incident not only spotlighted Diaz’s family but also reinforced the intertwining of MMA and professional wrestling. The two promotions merged earlier in 2023 in a monumental $21.4 billion deal orchestrated by Endeavor Chief Executive Ari Emanuel, further solidifying their market presence.
Nate Diaz, 40, remains a prominent figure in combat sports after leaving the UFC in September 2022, following a notable career that began in October 2004. Despite not holding a championship title in the UFC, Diaz now stands as a free agent, actively engaging in other fighting sports, particularly boxing. He faced Jake Paul earlier in 2023 and Jorge Masvidal in 2024, splitting those bouts but continuing to draw attention.
While the wrestling world buzzes with excitement over Nikayla’s viral moment, speculation persists about Diaz’s potential future in wrestling. He hinted at this possibility back in 2022 when he posted a photo alongside WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque and his spouse, Stephanie McMahon, teasing fans with the caption, “We’ll see what’s bout to happen next.”
As the connection between UFC and WWE strengthens, fans are eager to see what developments will follow, especially concerning Nate Diaz’s career trajectory. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and its impact on the world of combat sports.