MMA Preview – Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz at UFC 279
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KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VS NATE DIAZ FACTS
When is UFC 279? Sunday 11th September, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 279? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 279? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 279
What channel is UFC 279 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 279? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VS NATE DIAZ LOWDOWN
Khamzat Chimaev (11-0) returns after passing the toughest test of his career. He stormed his way to the UFC and exploded into top prospect status by making all four of his UFC opponents look like amateurs. He submitted John Phillips (2020) before knocking out Rhys McKee (2020) and Gerald Meershaert (2020) in the space of two months and then took on the formidable Li Jingliang (2021). He proceeded to ragdoll and submit him in the first round to set up his fight with the former title challenger Gilbert Burns (2022). It was the ‘Fight of the Night’ and an absolute war coming out on top getting the nod from all three judges.
As a reward for expressing his feelings about the UFC brass, Nate Diaz (20-13) has been fed to the prodigy. The veteran has 26 UFC fights under the belt sharing the cage with greats of the sport. However, he has only won once since since 2016. That was a clinic he put on against Anthony Pettis (2019) after three years out earning a dominant unanimous decision but went on to get dominated himself. Firstly, by Jorge Masvidal (2019) where the doctor prevented any more damage and lacerations then, current welterweight champion Leon Edwards who cruised a decision until the end of the fight.
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VS NATE DIAZ PREDICTION
This is set up to be an assassination. Chimaev is the real deal and is coming off the perfect experience in his last fight. He finally tasted adversity which you have to expect from Diaz no matter how the fight is going.
Diaz’s experience, cardio, volume boxing and jiu-jitsu is off the charts. But will that be enough to halt the Chimaev train. We do not think so. Chimaev has the ability to blitz into range, tie him up and throw him around the octagon. He also has the technique and significant power advantage to control Diaz on the deck and subdue his jiu-jitsu while raining down the ground-and-pound.
Diaz’s only chance is to hope Chimaev has the ego to stand and trade. Make him wilt with his volume or catch him clean. However, Diaz gets hit a lot and Chimaev’s striking is improving at a drastic rate. He also he has the power to cause some serious damage and paint his face a different colour.
We feel Chimaev answered all the Diaz questions against Burns who has even better jiu-jitsu and more power. Considering the damage Chimaev absorbed against him, it is hard to see Diaz knocking him out. So, how does he get the job done?
Diaz’s jiu-jitsu is too good to get submitted, and he is too durable to get put to sleep. If the beating is significant enough, the referee will call it or it will be a violent five rounds.
Prediction: Chimaev via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
