Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Episode #649: Nate Diaz & Chris Avila

Release Date: March 31, 2026
Host: Theo Von
Guests: Nate Diaz & Chris Avila

Overview

This episode of "This Past Weekend" is an unfiltered, hilariously candid conversation with UFC legend Nate Diaz and his longtime friend and training partner, Chris Avila. Together with Theo, they explore their roots in Stockton, the realities of fight life, the meaning behind the "Stockton slap," why jiu-jitsu should be required learning, and their new foray into acting with the indie film "Busboys." The discussion dips into MMA business, the upcoming Netflix card, forming their own promotional paths, the challenges and culture of MMA, and includes plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, lighthearted roasting, and signature humor from all three.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stockton Roots and Building Grit

• Stockton Upbringing: Both Nate and Chris attribute their drive and “realness” to Stockton, CA (the 209), describing it as a tough but formative place.

  • Nate Diaz (06:30): "That's just where we come from. And everything started there. And that's the core, baby. You gotta rep where you're from."
  • Representing Stockton: The discussion gives insight into what makes Stockton special, including its culture, family ties, and the notorious Stockton slap.

• Meeting Story:

  • Nate and Chris first met when Nate was getting his truck windows tinted at Chris’ dad’s Stockton shop, eventually reconnecting at the gym and becoming training partners and friends (04:44–05:36).

2. Origins of the "Stockton Slap"

• Diaz Lore: Nate traces it to his brother Nick, who first slapped Robbie Lawler in the UFC (08:26–08:43).
  • Nate Diaz (08:29): "My brother was slapping people in the UFC the whole time… He slapped Robbie Lawler."
• Theo’s Anecdote: Theo shares his own “honky at a pizza spot” slap story, connecting the move to setting boundaries and male communication (09:06–10:46).

3. Fighting Philosophy and Training Culture

• Fighting Styles/Philosophy:
  • Emphasis on fighting “real fighters” not point fighters, valuing legacy and war over record-padding.
  • Both have never been finished in competition—pride in resilience and grit (15:25–15:39).
• Training Environment:
  • The Nick Diaz Academy is described as a “family tree” with close ties to Cesar Gracie; lively with young up-and-comers (25:40–27:12).
  • Both still train with everyone and see themselves as part of the team rather than above it.

4. Making MMA a Career and Fighting on Their Terms

• Leaving UFC & Building Promos:
  • Nate details his exit from UFC for promotional freedom, fighting only peak opponents, and working to set up his own Real Fight Incorporated (50:53–59:10).
• The Netflix Fight Card (May 16th):
  • Nate discusses how the bout with Mike Perry came about, the evolution of fight promotion with streaming, and why he values Perry as a worthy and dangerous opponent (40:38–43:12).
  • Nate Diaz (43:27): "The feeling is just get in there and get out of it alive and don't fuck up. So excited, bro."
• Chris Avila’s Fight: Announced for the same card, Avila returns to MMA against Brandon Jenkins after a run in boxing (46:04).

5. Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense for All

• Jiu-Jitsu Advocacy:
  • Both advocate for jiu-jitsu being taught in schools and to law enforcement for confidence, humility, and real-world self-defense.
  • Nate Diaz (32:06): "It's like learning how to swim. I think everybody should learn how to swim. What if you fall in some fucking water? ... That's what I think about Jiu Jitsu."
• Life Skills Beyond Fighting:
  • Discussion on how martial arts builds communication, social skills, and helps break social anxiety (33:33–35:18).

6. Humor, Brotherhood, and Busting Balls

• Theo’s Comedy and Relationships With Fighters:
  • Banter about being “groomed” as young fighters, slapping, joking about napping and “medium sausage” pizzas, and calling out Theo’s “Rat King” moniker keeps the tone irreverent (13:01–14:32, 38:50–40:00, 45:47).
• On Spelling & Trash Analysts:
  • Nate rants about former fighters-turned-analysts criticizing active fighters, especially Daniel Cormier, bringing the classic Diaz honesty (82:55–86:39).

7. Weed, Work, and Life Outside the Cage

• Their Early Jobs:
  • Nate sold weed and barbecued tri-tip at a burger spot (22:26), Chris worked at a winery and with his dad (23:27).
• On Weed Use:
  • Jokes about smoking before fights, commission rules, and not sharing with “rookies” keep the stoner humor alive (74:31–101:15).
• Family and Bringing the Squad to Fights:
  • Discussion about family’s involvement and support, with Nate inviting everyone but not always having them show (12:03–12:51).

8. Acting Debut: “Busboys” Movie

• Realness On-Screen:
  • Both admit to zero acting experience before Theo’s indie film (“We keep it real”), embracing the awkwardness and fun of acting (88:49–89:04).
  • Nate Diaz (88:49): “We don't have any acting experience. We keep it real.”
• Bloopers and Set Stories:
  • Reflecting on memorable moments, busting up David Spade, and wanting to play more positive roles next time (93:41, 95:10).
• Naming Characters:
  • Nearly 2 hours in, Nate coins their movie names as Bart and Billy Williams (103:30).

9. Candid Thoughts on MMA Business & Rivalries

• UFC, Conor, and BMF Legacy:
  • Nate explains his current beefs, declining a Conor rematch out of respect for timing, and feeling Oliveira “stole” the BMF belt (52:05–57:07).
  • Nate Diaz: “I ain't trying to be the ending to some story like that, right? ... I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best.”
• Jake Paul and Boxing Crossovers:
  • Reveals he’s “hunting” Jake Paul for an MMA bout after the Perry fight, rejecting easy paychecks or legacy-diminishing matchups (64:00).
• Word Association & Roasting:
  • Rapid-fire comments on MMA personalities, politicians (Lindsey Graham, Brendan Schaub), and pop culture—e.g., calling a monkey at the zoo “Trump monkey” (11:38).

Memorable Quotes

• Nate Diaz on representing Stockton:
  • "That's the core, baby. You gotta rep where you're from." (06:30)
• On the Stockton Slap:
  • "I've seen people just get slapped growing up, like, bam. And scaring the life out of people and no fight even happening...you just own somebody with a slap." (08:56)
• Nate on Jiu-Jitsu:
  • "It's like learning how to swim. I think everybody should learn how to swim. What if you fall in some fucking water?...That's what I think about Jiu Jitsu." (32:06)
• On fighting feeling:
  • "The feeling is just get in there and get out of it alive and don't fuck up. So excited, bro." (43:27)
• On acting debut:
  • "We don't have any acting experience. We keep it real." (88:49)
• On UFC Analysts:
  • "Why are you Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson in the Best of the Best, talking about negative, about what I should have done when I made more money than you ever made in your whole career at any fight, Mr. Champion?" (84:08)
• On legacy:
  • "Fighting for me is just what I do now. And it sucks and it's great and all that." (37:49)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• [02:37] – Nate Discusses New Restaurant with Vegan Options
• [04:44] – How Nate and Chris Met in Stockton
• [06:30] – Meaning of 209: Stockton Upbringing & Culture
• [08:26] – The Origin of the 'Stockton Slap'
• [12:03] – Family Support & Inviting Them to Fights
• [16:10] – Never Been Finished in Pro Fights – Fighter Resilience
• [25:40] – How Nick Diaz Academy Functions Today
• [32:06] – Jiu-jitsu as Self-Defense for All
• [36:39] – Why They Still Love Fighting
• [40:38] – Setting Up the Perry Fight, Netflix, Leaving UFC
• [52:05] – On Declining Conor Rematch & BMF Belt
• [74:31] – Fighting High & Stories of Pre-Fight Weed
• [88:49] – Admitting Zero Acting Experience in “Busboys”
• [95:10] – Turning Down “Roadhouse” Role Over “Brokeback Mountain” Gag
• [103:30] – Naming Characters: 'Bart and Billy Williams'

Podcast Tone & Dynamic

The conversation is loose, honest, and full of camaraderie. Nate and Chris banter with Theo, blending fight analysis with street stories, stoner jokes, playful roasts, and personal reflections. There's zero filter: Diaz’s signature honesty on MMA politics, stories of weed and growing up rough, and blunt takes on rivals and analysts. Comedy is woven through tough talk, giving listeners a genuine behind-the-curtain look at fighter life.

For Listeners:

This episode is a must for MMA fans, aspiring fighters, and anyone who appreciates raw, unscripted perspectives on sports, loyalty, hustle, and keeping it real. You’ll come away entertained, informed, and with some classic Nate Diaz lines to keep in your mental highlight reel.

End of Summary