After a turbulent year marked by controversy and separation, UFC legend Nick Diaz has returned to Las Vegas and married his longtime girlfriend Kayla, the woman he credits as his unwavering support through recent challenges.
The 42-year-old mixed martial arts icon has emerged from what he describes as a wrongful confinement at a Mexican rehabilitation facility, and he’s wasting no time rebuilding his life.
Now back training at Xtreme Couture alongside longtime friend and training partner Jake Shields, Diaz has broken his silence about the past year and set the record straight about his relationship with Kayla.
In exclusive messages shared by MMA content creator Parry Punch, Diaz revealed the depth of his connection to Kayla, who has stood by him for the past seven years. “Junior and my girl are all I have,” Diaz stated, referring to the small circle he trusts most.
The marriage comes after a difficult period in which Diaz claims associates attempted to remove Kayla from his life. According to the former Strikeforce champion, individuals he trusted worked to have his girlfriend removed from his home through restraining orders and eviction proceedings that he never authorized.
“My cousin Reuben is unstable and took all my money. Had my girl kicked out on the street,” Diaz claimed.
Diaz disputed the narrative that had been circulated by those claiming to represent his interests. “I got taken and held for no reason and trapped for a year,” he explained. “I was not using anything. I was 175 lbs, ready to fight.”
The Stockton native addressed concerning videos that had circulated online, including one showing him appearing to light grass on fire. He clarified that he was burning incense at a location where friends had passed away. “I burn incense in the dirt for my deceased friends and girlfriend,” Diaz explained. “My girl now likes to make fun of me.”
🚨 Some GREAT UFC news: Nick Diaz got married in Las Vegas last week to his long time girlfriend Kayla 💍
He recently just got out of rehab and has also just celebrated 1 year of sobriety
Here he is, in good spirits with his new wife
Mr and Mrs Diaz, you love to see it ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aKtnHxLOpM
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) January 16, 2026
Kayla had been publicly criticized by associates who claimed to be acting in Diaz’s best interests, but the MMA star made clear she has been his primary support throughout their relationship. Her presence in his life has remained constant despite efforts to separate them.
The situation also revealed tensions within the Diaz family. When asked about his relationship with brother Nate, Nick responded: “No, he needs to confront Jose,” referring to Jose Garcia, their longtime strength and conditioning coach.
Nick expressed disappointment that Nate didn’t intervene during his confinement, stating “I would have gone and freed him the first week. We are not the same.”
However, Jake Shields pushed back against suggestions of a serious family rift, writing on Instagram: “Why are you making up nonsense? I was with Nick yesterday and talked to Nate today.”
Garcia also attempted to clarify the situation, commenting: “Nate is not beefing with Nick. He is focused on his family and believes that what Nick does is on Nick. Nate is putting his own household first and does not want people spreading the idea that there is a feud. Brothers fight and disagree, but Nate respects whatever decisions Nick makes about his life. He wants Nick to do what Nick wants to do.”
Despite the personal turmoil, Diaz remains focused on his future with Kayla and his return to competition. “I’m fighting. That’s all I can do, so that’s what I will do,” he declared.
The MMA veteran is currently training at 202 lbs and has called for high-profile matchups, saying “I’ll fight Pereira or Khamzat. They should let me fight one.”
Training footage posted by Shields showed the pair working together, with Shields writing: “A little sparring with Nick Diaz this morning. Nick was my top sparring partner for over 15 years, so it’s good to get back together and train.”
As for addressing the situation more publicly, Diaz told Parry Punch: “Let me get a fight, then I’ll come on. You can tell them that.”
With his marriage to Kayla now official and his training back on track, Nick Diaz appears determined to move forward from a difficult chapter and reclaim control of both his personal life and professional career.
