Elite Competitive Career & Global Martial Arts Experience
Before transitioning to full‑time coaching, Ryan enjoyed a long and decorated competitive career that took him around the world and across top MMA and combat sports promotions.
His fighting achievements include:
KOTC Bantamweight World Champion
AFC Bantamweight World Champion
Hook n Shoot North American Champion
2× Pacific Northwest Champion
Fearless MMA Champion
Canadian Muay Thai Champion & Intercontinental Muay Thai Champion
ADCC veteran grappler
Ryan competed in over 50 professional fights internationally, featuring action in Japan, Hawaii, Abu Dhabi, California, Florida and the Philippines, and appeared on fight cards for ONE Championship, Strikeforce, TKO, S‑Cup (Shootboxing) Japan, Superbrawl and Shooto Japan among others.
He also lived and trained martial arts in Thailand, the Philippines, Arizona and Las Vegas, absorbing global striking and grappling cultures and shaping his own well‑rounded approach to MMA performance.
Founder & Head Coach at Diaz Combat Sports
Ryan is the co‑founder and head instructor of Diaz Combat Sports (DCS) — a premier martial arts facility in Vancouver’s Chinatown known for its inclusive, high‑performance environment. DCS offers more than 250 weekly classes across disciplines including Muay Thai, boxing, BJJ, and strength & conditioning — building a training culture that welcomes beginners and elite competitors alike.
Under his leadership, DCS has grown into one of North America’s most respected MMA gyms, training fighters for professional competition and helping everyday practitioners elevate their martial arts skill, fitness and confidence.
Ryan is also co‑owner of The MMA Lab in Phoenix, Arizona alongside world‑class coach John Crouch and UFC legend Benson Henderson, further cementing his reputation as a top coach sought by professional fighters across UFC, Bellator and ONE Championship.
Instructional Volume on Warrior Collective
Ryan brings his elite striking methodology and MMA stand‑up systems to Warrior Collective in his first full‑length instructional volume — a must‑have resource for fighters, coaches and striking enthusiasts looking to elevate their stand‑up game within MMA’s unique context:
📘 MMA Striking Drills – Dominating the Stand Up Game with Ryan Diaz
In this comprehensive instructional, Ryan breaks down his personal system of MMA‑specific striking drills — developed from decades of competition and coaching world‑class athletes. The volume covers:
Elbow Series & Chain Elbows – building high‑impact close‑range striking
Low Kick Frameworks – setups, angles and combinations for effective leg attacks
Using Striking Frames – creating openings with structure and body mechanics
Switch Hitting & Defensive Switches – stance changes that enhance unpredictability
Clinch for MMA – integrating close‑range strikes with control
Hand Fighting & Boxing for MMA – hand dominance, counters and boxing integration
Creative Striking Set Pieces – “Super Moves” for high‑level offensive rhythm
This volume delivers step‑by‑step drills, systems and coaching cues you can apply immediately in training, whether you’re preparing for competition or sharpening your striking fundamentals for real‑world effectiveness.
