Who is Nathan Barnatt? The Misfits Boxing star known as Dad who fooled Joe Rogan
Who is Nathan Barnatt? The Misfits Boxing star known as Dad who fooled Joe Rogan (Image via Getty) Nathan Barnatt is getting a lot of attention ahead of his next Misfits Boxing fight, but many fans know him better by another name, Dad. The 45-year-old internet personality has become one of the most unusual figures in influencer boxing, and now he is preparing to face Turkish streamer and MMA fighter Ediz Tasci on Saturday. The fight will be part of the latest Misfits Boxing event. Barnatt recently grabbed headlines during the fight week press conference. His wide-eyed stare and constant smile quickly became a talking point among fans watching online. But this is not the first time the Massachusetts native has gone viral.The YouTuber, actor, and comedian became widely known through his Dad character, a strange online personality who claims he was created in a laboratory and released into the world. The character helped Barnatt build a loyal following on social media and later brought him into the world of influencer boxing. His popularity also grew after UFC commentator Joe Rogan mistakenly believed Barnatt had beaten his own son during a boxing match. The misunderstanding quickly spread online and became one of the most talked-about moments of his boxing career.Speaking to SunSport, Nathan Barnatt stayed in character while explaining Dad’s unusual backstory.“Dad appeared in 2018 and then I was released upon the world in 2019 in the care of The Facility.”He added:“It’s a place in Southwest North America, located deep in the desert and there’s a lot of activity going on there. They create nice dads like me.”Before entering boxing, Barnatt had already built a career in entertainment. He appeared in television shows and films and also became known for another character called Keith Apicary. The energetic character even appeared on America’s Got Talent, where he reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated.When asked about Dad’s purpose, Barnatt told SunSport:“To be the greatest YouTuber and pop star in the universe. I’m a pop star. I have many albums. I box too for fun, but mostly a pop star.”His boxing career started in influencer events, and he has won both of his fights so far. One of those victories came against Matt Watson in 2022. After that fight, Joe Rogan criticized what he thought was a father beating his son in the ring.Barnatt later cleared up the confusion.“No, that was not my son. He was only about 11 years younger than me. I don’t have a son. I only have a daughter. Her name is Daughter.”Now, Barnatt faces what he believes will be his toughest challenge yet against Ediz Tasci, who won his MMA debut in 2025.“I think it’ll be a great match. I think it will be my biggest test for sure against the biggest man I’ve ever had to punch.”He also added:“Ediz, you’re a naughty boy. It’s time for your spanking.”
