Nate Diaz’s supreme loyalty to his hometown, Stockton is paying dividends now as he has been awarded a notable honor.
The former UFC welterweight, Diaz received a huge token of appreciation for his devotion to Stockton from Mayor Kevin J. Lincoln at a Stockton Kings game. The 37-year-old is a new entrant in the list of celebrities being awarded the “key to the city” of his California hometown.
He was handed over the shield at the Stockton Kings game, which is the G-League affiliate of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
“We want to thank you for the grit and determination that you display every time you step into a fight,” Lincoln said of Diaz.
“And I want you to know that that grit and determination is built into the very fabric of the city that you represent.”
Diaz has always mentioned his Stockton’s roots throughout his fighting career. The 37-year-old has credited the native Stockton mentality as one of the major reasons for his success at the MMA’s biggest stage.
Diaz fought out his UFC contract, making his last appearance this past September at UFC 279 where he submitted Tony Ferguson to end his UFC reign on a positive note.
“I want say it’s an honor, thank you very much to Stockton, California, for rocking with me,” Diaz said.
“I’ve been rocking with Stockton this whole time … I’m going to be forever rocking Stockton, I ain’t going nowhere.”