#649 - Nate Diaz & Chris Avila

In this three-part episode of *This Past Weekend* with Theo Von, combat sports icons Nate Diaz and Chris Avila deliver a vibrant, heartfelt, and humorous deep dive into their lives, careers, and creative passions. The conversation begins with reflections on their shared roots in Stockton, California—highlighting the city’s grit, resilience, and community spirit that shaped their identities. They discuss their respective journeys in MMA and boxing, the physical and mental toll of fighting, and Nate’s strong advocacy for teaching jiu-jitsu in schools as a tool for self-defense and confidence. The duo also opens up about their independently produced film *Busboys*, a no-budget, self-funded project where their lack of acting experience became a strength, bringing raw authenticity to the screen. Behind-the-scenes bloopers, playful improvisation with stars like David Spade and Bobby Lee, and the emotional tribute to real-life Stockton figures Bart and Billy Williams underscore the film’s grassroots soul. As the episode unfolds, Nate reveals personal growth, expressing a desire to play positive, non-antagonistic roles in the future—like a Spanish teacher or doctor—marking a shift from his tough-guy persona. The segment closes with lighthearted banter, a fictional rematch call between Ernie Reyes and Bobby Lee, and a heartfelt appreciation for their bond and hometown legacy.