Overview of #649 - Nate Diaz & Chris Avila
Theo Von hosts UFC/BMF legend Nate Diaz and Stockton teammate Chris Avila. The episode mixes fight talk (Nate vs. Mike Perry on Netflix, Chris vs. Brandon Jenkins on May 16), Stockton origin stories and gym culture, business/league commentary (UFC vs. Netflix, Real Fight Incorporated), and a behind-the-scenes look at acting on the indie film Busboys (Theo & David Spade). It’s informal, anecdotal, and wide-ranging — from training camps to social issues to humorous on-set clips.
Guests
- Nate Diaz — Stockton native, veteran MMA fighter, creator/claimant of the BMF identity, actor in Busboys, promoting May 16 Netflix fight vs. Mike Perry.
- Chris Avila — Stockton fighter, teammate/training partner of Nate, fighting Brandon Jenkins on the same Netflix card.
- Host: Theo Von
Main topics covered
- Stockton / 209 identity and gym origins
- How Nate and Chris met (windows/tint shop story), Cesar Gracie lineage, Nick Diaz Academy connections, and Stockton’s gritty culture that shaped them.
- “Stockton slap” anecdotes and what that energy means socially.
- Fight announcements and prep
- Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry — May 16 on Netflix (promoted with Real Fight involvement).
- Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins — same card.
- Training approach: mix of boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing; coaches and training partners mentioned (boxing coach Richard Perez, wrestling coach Nick Salovar, Ernie Reyes, Joe Schilling involvement).
- Camp specifics: heavy cross-discipline work for MMA vs. boxing-only training.
- Business & promotion
- Nate’s rationale for taking the Netflix/Mike Perry fight versus returning immediately to UFC: timing, opponent quality, and building his own promotion/brand (Real Fight Incorporated).
- Discussion of media/fight ecosystems: Netflix doing spectacle cards, comparison to UFC/pay-per-view model, Jake Paul and crossover boxing/MMA dynamics.
- Jiu-jitsu, training, and life lessons
- Nate advocates teaching jiu-jitsu in schools for self-defense, confidence, and social development.
- Personal stories on how training helped with social skills, jobs, and discipline.
- Acting and Busboys movie
- Nate and Chris’ first-time acting experience; on-set anecdotes with David Spade and Bobby Lee; Busboys in theaters April 17 (pre-sale at busboysmovie.com).
- They share bloopers, enjoy the experience, and express interest in more acting roles.
- Lighter segments and banter
- Word-association/photo prompt game, on-set recaps, joking about naps, weed, and random news bits; trademark Nate humor and bluntness about topics like vaccination and CTE.
Key takeaways
- Fight & promotion strategy
- Nate picked the Netflix/Mike Perry fight based on timing, opponent profile, and an opportunity to help build his own outside promotion. He’s selective about UFC returns — wants to fight opponents when they’re at peak relevance.
- Training & camp
- For this fight block Nate and Chris will run full camps mixing striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu with top sparring partners and coaches.
- Jiu-jitsu advocacy
- Both strongly believe jiu-jitsu should be taught widely (schools, law enforcement) for practical self-defense and social/mental benefits.
- Stockton identity matters
- Their roots (Stockton / 209) inform attitude, work ethic, and brand; gym culture remains central to how they live and train.
- Acting crossover
- Both enjoyed acting on Busboys despite zero prior experience; they found the set experience rewarding and want to do more.
Notable quotes & moments
- “Jiu-jitsu should be taught in schools.” — Nate on why grappling is essential life training.
- “Fighting is like public speaking with your face and fists.” — Theo’s comparison, echoed by the guests.
- Nate on UFC timing/opponents: he won’t fight someone if the timing makes them a comeback storyline; wants to face “best of the best” when both fighters are on the rise.
- Nate: “I started the whole BMF… that’s my belt you’re wearing on your hip.” — speaks to his role in the BMF identity.
- On acting: both surprised how much they enjoyed Busboys and how they’d approach roles differently next time.
Practical details / calls to action
- Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry — May 16 on Netflix (main highlight).
- Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins — same card, May 16.
- Busboys movie (Theo Von & David Spade): pre-sale tickets available at busboysmovie.com; theatrical release April 17.
- Train jiu-jitsu / consider it for self-defense and confidence (idea promoted strongly in the episode).
Memorable anecdotes
- How Nate and Chris met (tint shop / brother connections); early jobs (bartender, burger spot, selling weed, tint-shop life).
- Stockton slap tradition—origin stories and examples of it being used as a “warning.”
- Nate’s recollection of the Leon Edwards fight nuance (sweat in eyes, delayed follow-up) — he defends himself against the “shoulda finished him” narrative.
- On-set moment: throwing a guy in a trunk and real-style punking for film authenticity (Busboys bloopers).
Sponsors & promos mentioned in the episode
(Ads integrated into the episode)
- Subaru (hybrids)
- CarShield (vehicle protection)
- Acorns (investing app)
- Kayak (travel booking)
- Salie (travel data)
- Shane Company (jewelry/warranty)
Who should listen
- MMA fans tracking Nate Diaz’s post-UFC trajectory and Netflix fight card.
- People interested in fighter mindset, gym culture, and Stockton fight lineage.
- Listeners curious about fighters transitioning to acting and promotion.
- Anyone looking for candid fighter perspectives on training, self-defense, and the current fight-business landscape.
If you want the short version: Nate Diaz explains why he’s fighting Mike Perry on Netflix (timing, quality, and building his own promotion), advocates jiu-jitsu in schools, shares Stockton origin stories, and recounts first-time acting in Busboys with Chris Avila — both are on the May 16 Netflix fight card.