DALLAS, TEXAS: One of the most interesting boxing bouts will be taking place on August 5 between Jake Paul and the UFC stalwart Nate Diaz. While Diaz is going to make his pro-boxing debut at 38, Paul will try to level ground from his first career loss in the fight against Tomy Fury in February.
The fight, which is scheduled to take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, will also mark Diaz's first match since his departure from UFC, per USA Today. While Diaz will be aiming for a grand start, he will be surrounded by his mother’s best wishes. Diaz’s mother, Melissa, has always been a pillar of strength and support to the UFC star and his brother, Nick, throughout their careers.
Who is Nate Diaz’s mother?
Diaz’s mother Melissa is nothing less than a celebrity. However, she has carefully kept her life under wraps. Nonetheless, Melissa has appeared in a few interviews and has gushed about her sons.
Very few details about her early life are known. It was reportedly said that she had worked as a a waitress in a diner. As per ABTC, she met her future husband, Robert, there. The couple got married soon after and are the proud parents of three children. Apart from Nick and Diaz, Melissa has a daughterz, Nina.
It was reportedly said that Melissa brought up her children as a single mother. However, she is not only famous because of her sons. She is well-known in her community for giving opportunities to disadvantaged youths. As per PlayersWiki, she has also worked as a hairdresser and was behind the iconic hairstyles her sons sported during matches. She is also an accomplished painter.
Melissa encouraged her sons in pursuing their dreams and funded their expenses in getting the best martial arts training. From her social media, it can be seen that she shares a close bond with all three of her children and often visits her sons' matches to support them.
‘I taught non-violence’
Melissa has been a source of strength for her children and has always been their lifelong supporter. Her upbringing also helped Diaz and Nick excel in their MMA careers. Once in an interview, Melissa said that the family moved to Morada, California. The place, which is a suburb of Stockton, was known for its gang violence. She said, “I wanted to keep them out there so they couldn’t get in trouble,” per USA Today. She revealed that Nick was the first one to get interested in the sport and Nate joined him soon after.
However, Melissa has not watched her sons fight while they were in the UFC. Despite the men being professional MMA fighters, she does not condone violence. She also had strict rules in her household and did not allow her sons to play with guns. “I didn’t let them play with guns and I taught non-violence,” she said.