Nate Diaz

UFC: Would Dustin Poirier bypass title shot for money fight with Nate Diaz?

by
dustin poirier, ufc

Last weekend at UFC 264, Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) picked up his second win over Conor McGregor (22-6) after McGregor broke his leg. With the win, Poirier has secured the next shot at Charles Oliveira (31-8, 1 NC) for the UFC lightweight title.

Through everything that’s happened since Khabib’s retirement, Dustin Poirier – Charles Oliveira have seemed destined to fight. These two are clearly the two best lightweights in the UFC and finally it appears their paths will cross.

However, there is one thing that could throw a wrench into all of this. That one thing is UFC superstar Nate Diaz (20-13). Make no mistake about it, Diaz is one of the biggest stars in the entire promotion.

Stockton’s own hunts for the big fights and he always wants to fight the best. He’s had his radar on Dustin Poirier for a long time now and that hasn’t changed. This week, Diaz took to Twitter to call out Poirier. Poirier responded say, “I’ll touch you up at any weight.”

Could Poirier bypass his UFC title shot?

If there’s anyone you should want to be in the UFC right now it’s Dustin Poirier. After Khabib retired, nobody denied the fact that Poirier is the top lightweight in the promotion. He got his huge money fight with Conor McGregor, then he was put in charge of his own destiny.

The UFC offered him the McGregor trilogy or a shot at Charles Oliveira. Poirier picked the McGregor trilogy and he made the right choice as he won the fight and the PPV did 1.8 million buys which is the second highest of all time.

Poirier earned himself a massive payday and now he still gets his UFC title shot. However, could Poirier chase another massive payday? There is unfinished business between Poirier and Diaz as they were supposed to fight a couple of years ago.

However, Poirier had to have surgery and the fight was called off. The UFC never made the fight again, but both men have continued to call the other out. It’s a dream fight for fight fans and it’s definitely something the promotion would be interested in booking.

If I had to guess, I think Poirier takes the title shot this time. He got the biggest fight possible with the McGregor trilogy and now it’s time for him to chase gold. However, if the Diaz fight does happen instead, I certainly wouldn’t be shocked.

What’s next for Conor McGregor after UFC 264?

by
Conor McGregor, UFC

This past Saturday at UFC 264 we saw the third fight between Conor McGregor (22-6) and Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC). The first round was a back-and-forth round that took place on the mat and on the feet.

The first half of the UFC 264 main event took place on the feet. In the standup, McGregor was getting the better of Dustin Poirier. However, after McGregor went for a guillotine choke, Poirier ended up on top of him in the first.

From there, Poirier did a fantastic job of landing big shots from the top position. At the end of the first, both men got back to their feet and went back to striking. Both swung big shots and missed. When McGregor stepped back, the lower half of his tibia snapped.

McGregor crumbled to the floor and defended as Poirier rained down more shots. Fortunately for McGregor, Herb Dean let the fight go. In between rounds, the fight was stopped due to the injury and UFC 264 leaves us with no clarity in the trilogy.

Some in the MMA Media or the talking heads have painted this narrative that Poirier and McGregor aren’t close to being on the same level. I couldn’t disagree more and after watching the UFC 264 main event back several times, I don’t believe there’s a big gap between the two men at all.

What’s next after UFC 264?

Dana White said that he would be open to the fourth fight between Poirier and McGregor after UFC 264’s result. I think that might be what’s next for McGregor and even Poirier said that they will have to fight again. 

That said, we don’t have a great idea on how long it will be before McGregor’s ready. The Irishman posted on Twitter last night that he would be on crutches for six weeks before starting the process of building himself back up.

My guess is that we won’t see McGregor booked for his next UFC matchup until the late spring or early next Summer. With that timeline, it could line up perfectly with Poirier should Poirier defeat Charles Oliveira near the end of the year.

I could also see the UFC giving McGregor a fight with Nate Diaz (20-13) upon his return. McGregor and Diaz have their own trilogy to complete and it would be a great fight to get McGregor back in the swing of things.

That would also allow the promotion to book Justin Gaethje – Michael Chandler as a title eliminator. If McGregor fought Diaz and won in mid-2022, perhaps he could get a shot at the UFC lightweight title and that fourth fight with Poirier late in the year.

Jorge Masvidal teases UFC return: ‘Soon…’

by

One of the most popular fighters in the UFC could be getting ready to make his return. Jorge Masvidal (35-15) took to Twitter this afternoon where he was asked about his return to the octagon. Gamebred responded with a single word: Soon.

The last time we saw Masvidal was at UFC 261 when he had his welterweight title rematch with Kamaru Usman. Masvidal was knocked out in the second round by the champion. It was the first time in Masvidal’s UFC career that he was stopped by strikes.

It’s been an interesting stretch for the BMF. Masvidal’s last victory came at UFC 244 when he defeated Nate Diaz (20-13) for the UFC‘s BMF title. The one-off title belt was awarded to Masvidal after a doctor called a stop to the action due to a cut on Diaz.

After that victory, Masvidal was promised a title shot. However, negotiations didn’t go well at first and Masvidal’s shot was given to Gilbert Burns. Gilbert Burns was set to fight Kamaru Usman to headline the UFC‘s first PPV on Fight Island, but he tested positive for COVID.

The promotion went back to Masvidal on a week’s notice and Masvidal took the fight. Masvidal lost, but Usman gave him a rematch to show that it didn’t matter how long Masvidal had to prepare. Ultimately, the champion was right this time around and Masvidal came up short at UFC 261.

Who will Masvidal face in his UFC return?

There are a lot of great fights out there for the UFC’s BMF. His ultimate goal is to become welterweight champion, but it’s going to take another big winning streak to warrant another fight with Kamaru Usman.

Colby Covington is likely to get the next fight with the champion. With those two seemingly lined up, I think a matchup with Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) would be great. There’s history there due to their backstage altercation back in 2019 and Edwards is at the top of the division.

A win over Leon Edwards would put Gamebred right back in title contention. Another possibility could be either Diaz brother. There’s history with Nate Diaz and at one point last year the UFC was looking at booking the BMF title rematch.

Nick Diaz (26-9, 2 NC) on the other hand is gearing up for his octagon return. The elder Diaz is wanting a big fight and he’s targeting a UFC return in September or October. That would seemingly line up with Masvidal’s tweet.

I don’t believe that a fight announcement is imminent, but I think we will start hearing more and more about Gamebred’s next move soon.

Sound Off: Who do you think Jorge Masvidal should fight when he returns to the octagon?

Could Nate Diaz be next for UFC champion Kamaru Usman?

by

I know that many eyebrows went up reading that title. Could the UFC actually give Nate Diaz (20-13) the next shot at the welterweight title. I can already imagine the confusion and the questions from UFC fans.

How in the world does Nate Diaz deserve a shot at Kamaru Usman (19-1)? Would the promotion actually give Diaz a shot over Colby Covington (16-2) and Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC)? Keep in mind, Edwards just dominated Diaz back at UFC 263 despite a last minute rally by Diaz.

Where is the speculation coming from? Well it all starts with the UFC welterweight champion’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. Abdelaziz has been vocal that he doesn’t want to see his client face top contender Colby Covington next.

The word from the Usman camp is that Covington hasn’t done enough to earn a title shot next. UFC president Dana White has been vocal that Colby Covington and nobody else is next for the welterweight champion.

So, where does Nate Diaz fit into all of this? Well, Diaz and Usman have had some back-and-forth on social media and the speculation of a future UFC title match between the two was fueled by Abdelaziz. Usman’s manager tweeted out that Diaz should be next over Colby Covington. 

Would the UFC give the shot to Diaz over Covington/Edwards?

If Nate Diaz would’ve defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 263, there’s a very high chance he would’ve jumped Colby Covington. Diaz is by far one of the biggest stars in the entire sport. When he fights, people watch and millions would want to see him fight for the title.

However, outside of general fan interest, there is no argument for Diaz deserving a UFC title shot. Regardless of what the Usman camp says, Colby Covington is the toughest fight for him at 170 pounds.

Heading into their fifth round at UFC 245, the fight couldn’t have been closer. One judge had Covington up three rounds to one so if they would’ve made it to the final bell, Usman would’ve only won a split decision.

Usman would definitely be the favorite, but Covington is a very tough fight for him. I’m a massive Nate Diaz fan, but if he gets the next title shot after back-to-back losses at welterweight to Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards, I would be at a loss for words.

The UFC should book Diaz in a rematch with Masvidal if they want a big fight. Covington – Usman is the fight to make and I really don’t think Dana White is going to entertain anything else at the moment.

After UFC 263, should Leon Edwards take another fight or wait for his title shot?

by
Leon Edwards

On the main card of UFC 263, we saw a welterweight showdown between Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) and Nate Diaz (20-13). The fight between these two was the first five-round non-title fight that wasn’t a main event.

For the first 24 minutes of the fight at UFC 263, Leon Edwards showed why he’s so special. Edwards was able to use his leg kicks, elbows, and sweeps to completely dominate Nate Diaz. Diaz landed shots here and there, but it was all Leon Edwards.

However, with one minute left, the fight completely changed. Diaz fired a perfect 1-2 down the middle that completely rocked Leon Edwards. Edwards was on wobbly legs and needed the fence to stay up. Diaz tried to finish the fight and Edwards barely survived.

Edwards still looked a little dazed after the final bell at UFC 263. However, all of the work he had done over the first 24 minutes paid off. Leon Edwards won 49-46 on all three scorecards to pick up the biggest win of his career.

What does Leon Edwards do after UFC 263?

With this victory, Leon Edwards is now 9-0, 1 NC in his last ten fights. The last man to defeat him inside the octagon is the current UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (19-1). Leon Edwards has done enough to earn himself a title shot against Usman.

However, he’s not going to be next for the champion. Dana White has made it very clear that Colby Covington (16-2) is getting the next shot at Kamaru Usman. At the moment, the promotion is targeting late summer/early fall for that rematch.

With that, it’s very likely that Leon Edwards wouldn’t get his UFC title shot until the beginning of 2022. So, should Edwards wait or should he take another fight? I personally lean towards him taking another fight and there’s one fight that he should take.

I think the promotion should book him against Jorge Masvidal (35-15). There’s heat between the two men after their backstage incident in 2019 and Masvidal just fought for the title. Leon Edwards didn’t really get over in his win at UFC 263. He could use a highlight reel performance against another star to help build up his stock before a title shot.

That said, Edwards has been very vocal about wanting the title shot next. He might need some convincing to take a fight with Masvidal, but ultimately, I think it would be the best thing for him.

Demian Maia wants one more UFC fight against Nate Diaz

by

This past Saturday at UFC 263, Demian Maia (28-11) took on Belal Muhammad (19-3, 1 NC) on the main card. It was the final fight for Maia on his current contract and he was looking to call it a career with a victory.

In the first round, Maia looked decent. He was able to land some left hands and he was even able to secure a takedown. However, he wasn’t able to do much once the fight got there. Two of the three judges gave the first round to Maia at UFC 263.

However, starting in the second round, Maia couldn’t really do much the rest of the fight. His takedown attempts got sloppier and sloppier as he got tired. Muhammad was able to keep the fight standing where he was getting the better of the striking.

Maia would land some shots here and there, but ultimately, Muhammad was landing more. All three judges gave the final two rounds to Belal Muhammad and he was able to pick up the victory over Demian Maia at UFC 263.

As mentioned, this was the final fight on Maia’s contract. Dana White said after the event that this was likely Maia’s last fight. That said, Maia took to Instagram to say that he wants one more UFC fight and he wants to stand across from another legend who competed at UFC 263.

Would the UFC entertain Diaz – Maia?

Maia posted on Instagram after UFC 263, “Nate Diaz , I saw your quote on the press conference, and think you’re great too. You’re a great fighter who also represents Jiu Jitsu and you’re real, I respect that. Regardless of last night, I know I still have one fight left in me, and it’s no secret that I feel like UFC is my home, where I want to finish my career.”

Maia continued, “I have no idea if they will give me another fight, but if they do, I would be honored to do my last MMA bout with you, someone who always come to fight, who represents BJJ and whom I respect.”

Maia’s callout of Diaz after UFC 263 is completely based on respect as you can tell from the quotes. It would be a great way to send Maia off considering his tenure with the promotion and his status as one of the company men for the UFC over the last fourteen years.

That said, I can’t see anyway that this fight happens. There’s an outside chance that the promotion agrees to give Maia one more fight, however, I don’t see it being Diaz. I think the promotion has bigger plans for Diaz, but who knows, crazy things happen all the time in this sport.

Despite Leon Edwards’ win at UFC 263, Colby Covington still next for the title

by

This past Saturday on the main card of UFC 263, top welterweight contender Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) took on Nate Diaz (20-13). The two men fought in the first non-title and non-main event five-round fight in UFC history.

Edwards put on an incredible performance for the majority of the fight. He used a steady diet of leg kicks, sweeps, and elbows to get the better of Nate Diaz. However, late in the fight, Diaz landed a shot that almost changed everything.

Through 24 minutes, Leon Edwards was dominant. Then, with a minute to go in the fight, Diaz landed a beautiful 1-2 that almost put Edwards out. Edwards looked out on his feet, but was able to survive the last sixty seconds. That shot lands at the beginning of the round at UFC 263 and Nate Diaz likely wins that fight.

However, Edwards survived and got the decision win. With that victory, Edwards is now 9-0, 1 NC in his last ten fights. The one No Contest was a fight he was dominating but ended due to an accidental eye poke to Belal Muhammad. It would’ve likely been another victory for Edwards.

Having gone on this impressive streak, Leon Edwards is wanting a UFC title shot. However, it doesn’t appear that he’s getting it next. Dana White reiterated after the event that Colby Covington (16-2) is next for Kamaru Usman (19-1). Covington also confirmed that with Submission Radio today. 

UFC booking the rematch between Usman and Covington

The UFC has never wavered in their plans for the welterweight title. After Kamaru Usman knocked out Jorge Masvidal, Dana White made it very clear that Colby Covington would be next. Many wondered if that would still be the case after UFC 263.

While the fight still isn’t booked, the UFC has reiterated to Covington and the public that Colby Covington is next. Kamaru Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, tweeted out that Leon Edwards should be next given his current streak.

However, that is not what the UFC is pushing for. Usman and his manager have been vocal about the fact that Colby Covington doesn’t deserve another shot. That said, what hurts his argument is the fact that he gave Masvidal a rematch despite Masvidal staying inactive after Usman defeated him the first time.

At the moment, there appears to be no momentum in booking this fight. However, I think it’s going to come together rather quickly. If I had to guess, I think September or October is likely for the rematch between Usman and Covington. Yes, Leon Edwards is deserving, but it’s not the fight that should be made next.

What’s next for Nate Diaz after UFC 263?

by

This past Saturday at UFC 263, Nate Diaz (20-13) took on Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) on the main card. The fight between the two men was the first five-round non-title fight that wasn’t a main event in UFC history.

Diaz requested the fight be five rounds and that is exactly what he got. The reason Diaz requested the five rounds is because he’s notoriously a slow starter. Nate Diaz is normally a guy who really comes on strong in the main event rounds.

The last time we saw Diaz was at UFC 244 when he fought Jorge Masvidal (35-15). That night, a doctor called an end to the fight due to a cut above Diaz’s eye. While Masvidal controlled the early part of the fight, Diaz was coming on at the end of the third before the fight was stopped.

On Saturday night, Leon Edwards was dominating Nate Diaz throughout the fight. Edwards was throwing brutal leg kicks and he even used some trips to get Diaz to the ground. Brutal elbows cut Diaz above his eye and on the side of his head.

However, after being dominated for almost five rounds, Diaz almost pulled off the unthinkable at UFC 263. Diaz through a perfect 1-2 down the middle and Edwards was rocked badly with a minute left in the final round.

Diaz pointed at Edwards and stocked him as “Rocky” could hardly stand on his feet. In all honesty, Diaz wasted valuable time at UFC 263 after he hurt Edwards. Had he really just gone all out, I think he could’ve gotten the finish. However, the fight went to the cards and Edwards escaped with a decision.

What’s next after UFC 263?

Nate Diaz might be the only fighter on the UFC roster who can lose and his star continues to grow. Conor McGregor (22-5) is the biggest star in the history of the sport, but even his star doesn’t grow after a loss.

After UFC 263, Diaz told the media that he wanted to fight again in three or four months. Diaz also made it clear that he wants to fight top level competition in his next fight. What that, who should the UFC pair him with?

It still feels like there’s unfinished business between Diaz and Masvidal. There also feels like there’s unfinished business with Diaz and McGregor. Should McGregor lose to Poirier at UFC 264, I could see the promotion booking the trilogy between the two men since they are 1-1.

I could also see the UFC looking to do the BMF rematch. That was a fight they originally were looking at in 2020, but the fight fell through. Given the type of fights Diaz likes to have, those are the two opponents that make a lot of sense.

Leon Edwards survives late scare to defeat Nate Diaz at UFC 263

by
Leon Edwards

Tonight at UFC 263 we saw the return of one of the biggest stars in the sport. Nate Diaz (20-12) returned to the welterweight division and took on one of the very best in the world in Leon “Rocky” Edwards (18-3, 1 NC).

This is the first time we’ve seen Diaz since his BMF title fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. That night, Masvidal was getting the better of Diaz before a cut stopped the fight. However, Diaz was coming on strong in the middle rounds.

Diaz has always been known as a guy who starts really slow then really gets going. Likely why he wanted this fight to be five rounds. Stockton’s own looked more motivated than ever entering the octagon tonight.

UFC 263 was a massive opportunity for Leon Edwards. Entering 2020, Edwards had won eight fights in a row and had a fight booked against Tyron Woodley in a title eliminator. However, COVID shut everything down. Multiple fights for Edwards got cancelled for a variety of reasons and he didn’t return until March of this year.

After looking good early, Edwards accidentally poked Belal Muhammad in the eye and his anticipated return ended in a No Contest. Now, at UFC 263, he’s going to look to make a massive statement and show why he should be challenging for the title.

UFC 263 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 263 welterweight contest started with immediate pressure from Leon Edwards. Diaz circles on the outside as he tries to find his range. Wild left straight misses for Nate Diaz. Diaz plays around and Edwards lands a left hand.

A little gamesmanship from Nate Diaz here in the first round. Powerful leg kick lands for Leon Edwards. Another leg kick lands for Edwards and Diaz briefly switches stances. The two men come together but nothing big lands.

More pressure from Edwards. Leg kick lands for Diaz. Front kick to the body lands for Diaz and a massive straight left lands for Edwards. Powerful leg kick lands for Edwards. A couple of jabs land for Diaz as Edwards resets.

Combination lands for Diaz and he taunts Edwards. Edwards goes for a takedown and ends up getting the back of Nate Diaz. Diaz tries to force a scramble, but Edwards just rides the position. The first round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Edwards at UFC 263.

Round 2

Diaz was walking a little gingerly in between rounds at UFC 263. However, he was smiling at Edwards before the second started. Massive leg kick from Edwards starts the striking here in the second round.

Diaz pushes forward, but nothing lands. Good straight left and a check right hook for Edwards lands. Edwards with a ton of pressure here. Right hook lands for Nate Diaz. Now Diaz is pushing forward. Edwards looks for the low kick again and it forces a Diaz stance switch.

Diaz pushes forward with a 1-2, but another big kick lands for Edwards. Big connection from Diaz, but Edwards lands his own shots. Edwards gets a clinch and pushes Diaz against the fence. Nice trip and Edwards is on top here.

Edwards stands up and Diaz trips him with a leg lock. Diaz almost has it, but Edwards escapes. Massive leg kick buckles Nate Diaz. However, Diaz keeps coming forward. Both men trade big punches and the second round comes to a close. 2-0 Leon Edwards after two at UFC 263.

Round 3

Entering the third round here at UFC 263 and Nate Diaz needs to turn this around. Diaz takes the center to start the action and Edwards throws a big elbow that just misses. Edwards starts pressing forward and lands a good left hand that backs Diaz up.

Another powerful leg kick lands for Edwards. Diaz starts moving forward and Edwards circles along the outside. The two men come together in a clinch and Diaz presses Edwards against the fence. Diaz shrugs him off and they’re back to striking.

More pressure from Diaz and he looks for his left hand. The two clinch again, but it’s Edwards that presses Diaz against the fence. Diaz rolls and Edwards is on top in half guard. Edwards looks for his elbows halfway through the round.

Slicing elbows land for Edwards and Diaz is busted open. They stand back up and a nice jab lands for Diaz. Big leg kick lands for Edwards and they go back to the clinch. Edwards is heavy here against the fence. Takedown for Edwards and he lands another elbow. The round ends and it’s 3-0 at UFC 263.

Round 4

Entering the fourth round at UFC 263 and Nate Diaz looks like he needs a miracle here. Pressure from Diaz to start things here in the fourth round. Body kick lands for Edwards. 1-2 lands for Nate Diaz and Edwards counters with a leg kick.

Diaz plots forward trying to find his openings. Massive left hand lands for Edwards and that hurts Diaz. However, Diaz smiles and gives the thumbs up. Edwards holding the center of the cage and now he’s pushing forward.

Good check right hook lands for Leon Edwards. Front kick lands for Diaz and Edwards pushes forward and gets a trip. Diaz gets up and is cracked with a left from Edwards. Edwards is landing clean here in the third round and he lands another good leg kick.

Diaz pushes forward, but nothing really lands. Edwards looks for a big elbow, but it just misses. Now Diaz is moving forward. Double jab and a solid straight left lands for Diaz. Nice head movement for Diaz late in the round.

Another 1-2 lands for Diaz. Huge elbow connects for Edwards. 1-2 for Diaz and a big counter left for Edwards. Both men trade jabs. The round closes and Diaz had a good end to the round, but it’s 4-0 Edwards at UFC 263.

Round 5

You can never count Diaz out, but he’s going to need a miracle finish at UFC 263. Both men exchange big shots to start the fifth and Edwards lands a nice trip off the break. They go back to striking and a leg kick lands for Edwards.

Diaz switches stances and takes the center of the octagon. Good jab lands for Diaz. Lead elbow lands for Diaz and Nate is the one pushing forward early in the fifth. Big counter left hand lands for Leon Edwards.

Edwards pushes forward and Diaz lands a check right hook. Jab and a 1-2 behind it lands for Diaz. Another good left lands for Diaz and he shoots for a takedown. However, Edwards defends well and they stay in the clinch.

They break and a right hook lands for Diaz. Big body kick lands for Edwards and now he’s throwing more kicks. Jab lands for Nate Diaz. Left overhand and left uppercut lands for Edwards, but Diaz just keeps moving forward.

Diaz lands a massive shot and Leon Edwards is hurt badly. Nate Diaz is pouring it on and Leon Edwards is out on his feet. Oh my goodness Nate Diaz almost pulls it off but the bell sounds. Edwards survives and should get the nod here.

Leon Edwards def. Nate Diaz by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

UFC 263 Preview: Nate Diaz – Leon Edwards

by

Tomorrow night at UFC 263 we will see the return of one of the biggest stars in the sport. Nate Diaz (20-12) is returning and it’s in the welterweight division as he takes on one of the very best in the world in Leon “Rocky” Edwards (18-3, 1 NC).

This fight will actually make history tomorrow night. It is the first fight in UFC history that is a non-title/non-main event five-round fight. Diaz wanted this to be a five-round fight so it’s a five-round fight.

This is the first time we’ve seen Diaz since his BMF title fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. That night, Masvidal was getting the better of Diaz before a cut stopped the fight. However, Diaz was coming on strong in the middle rounds.

Diaz has always been known as a guy who starts really slow then really gets going. Likely why he wanted this fight to be five rounds. Stockton’s own looks more motivated than ever and he’s ready to get into the UFC‘s welterweight title picture.

UFC 263 is a massive opportunity for Leon Edwards. Entering 2020, Edwards had won eight fights in a row and had a fight booked against Tyron Woodley in a title eliminator. However, COVID shut everything down. Multiple fights for Edwards got cancelled for a variety of reasons and he didn’t return until March of this year.

After looking good early, Edwards accidentally poked Belal Muhammad in the eye and his anticipated return ended in a No Contest. Now, at UFC 263, he’s going to look to make a massive statement and show why he should be challenging for the title.

UFC 263 Prediction

When thinking of this matchup at UFC 263, it doesn’t make any sense but it’s so much fun. On paper, this is a horrible matchup for Nate Diaz. We’ve seen Nate struggle with guys who are bigger than him at 170 pounds.

It was very evident yesterday at the presser that Edwards is a big welterweight. Edwards is also elite in his striking and he uses his kicks extremely well. Diaz has also struggled in the past with guys who use their kicks really well.

I’m not going to say Nate Diaz doesn’t have a shot, but it’s a steep uphill climb. The only way I see Nate winning is if this touches the ground and he gets a submission or if Leon Edwards just completely gasses out. I don’t see the second option really happening.

When it comes to my UFC 263 prediction, I think we are going to see a lot of kicks from Edwards and I think he’s going to be just the second man to ever stop Diaz via strikes. Leon Edwards is set to have a breakout performance tomorrow night.

Prediction: Leon Edwards by TKO – Round 3