Nate Diaz says McGregor win didn't change life: 'I was famous 9 years ago'

Nate Diaz has remained in the spotlight since he upset UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor earlier this month at UFC 196. Off-camera, though, Diaz said life isn’t much different than prior to the win.

In what was undeniably the most significant moment of his nearly 12-year career, Diaz (19-10 MMA, 14-8 UFC) submitted McGregor (19-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) on short notice in a welterweight contest at UFC 196. It was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that concluded when “The Notorious” shot for an ill-advised takedown in the second round that led to Diaz locking up a fight-ending rear-naked choke.

Although Diaz has 22 octagon appearances and nearly a decade of UFC tenure to his credit, beating McGregor brought more recognition – and financial rewards – than anything the Stockton slugger had done prior.

In terms of how the win impacted Diaz’s day-to-day life, though, he said in a recent interview with FOX Sports’ “The Buzzer” that aside from a few inconsequential moments, his life hasn’t been altered.

“My life is exactly the same, just with a little more press so far,” Diaz said. “It’s only been a few weeks, but it’s pretty much (the same). I don’t let it take a hold of me or anything. I’ve been in the UFC for nine years. I was famous nine years ago. I couldn’t walk through the mall or Wal-Mart at two in the morning and not get noticed. It’s been going like this so it’s pretty much the same.”

Diaz said he has yet to make any grand purchases or treat himself after the win. That could be because focus has already shifted to his future and reports of a rematch with McGregor at UFC 200 on July 9. Although Diaz wouldn’t confirm whether a second fight against the brash Irishman is in his immediate future, he made it clear he wants whichever matchups UFC and fans deem “biggest.”

If a rematch with McGregor comes together and Diaz delivers a repeat result it would raise his stock in the sport and to the public even higher than it is already. But regardless of whether he beats McGregor twice or 100 times, Diaz isn’t sure how different life would ever be.

“A lot of people recognize (me) because the fight is fresh, but not much has changed,” Diaz said. “Yet.”

For complete coverage of UFC 196, check out the UFC Events section of the site.