Ahead of UFC 279, we take a look at the odds, and predictions for the main card
Ever since ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto broke out the news that a fight between UFC superstar Nate Diaz and Khamzat Chimaev will headline UFC 279, the internet has been running amok. While fans are praising the bravado, and courage of Nate Diaz to face a young, hungry lion, others are worried that the Stockton slugger might not stand a chance against the undefeated Chechen. This will be the last fight of Nate Diaz’s UFC contract, and a potential move to boxing seems like an inevitable outcome. All questions will be laid to rest when the pair lock horns at UFC 279 at the T-Mobile Arena this weekend.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz has been importuning the UFC for a fight against Dustin Poirier. However, if experts are to be believed, the UFC top brass does not want to book Diaz in a fight in which he has significant or even slight advantage over his opponent. They have presented the Stockton native with the mammoth task of fighting the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev has taken the MMA world by storm, ever since he made his debut in 2020. The Russian-born- Swedish mixed martial artist is pitted to be a threat in the welterweight and middleweight division. The promotion has been working relentlessly to get a top-ranked competition for him, and it finally come to effectuation with a fight against no.2 ranked, Gilbert Burns at UFC 273.
Chimaev went to war with Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, and displayed his heart, toughness, and grit. He has been calling out for a fight against Coly Covington, and Nate Diaz amongst several other fighters.
Diaz on the other hand, hasn’t fought since his loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263, back in June 2021. Although Edwards cruised through the entire fight, Diaz displayed his toughness in the final minutes of the fight, landing a flush one-two that wobbled Edwards all over the place.
Nate Diaz is a veteran in the sport of MMA. Winner of the Ultimate Fighter season 5, Diaz has began training at the age of 11 with his older brother Nick Diaz. A third degree black belt in jiu-jitsu, Diaz has fought the biggest names in the sport of MMA.
Our Prediction – The odds suggest absolute dominance by Chimaev and the likelihood of that happening is high. Chimaev is bigger, stronger, has youth on his side. Had it not been for the Gilbert Burns fight, Diaz would’ve had a good chance. But ‘Borz’ realizes now that he cannot rush the fight with reckless abandonment, especially against a seasoned veteran and durable fighter like Diaz. It’s hard to bet against Chimaev, who will emerge victorious in all possibilty.
Odds – Khamzat Chimaev (-1050) vs. Nate Diaz (+700)
Tony Ferguson vs Li Jingliang
UFC lightweight veteran will return to welterweight since his Ultimate Fighter Days. Ferguson claims that he will be bigger, stronger, and sharper at this weight class. He fights the Chinese ‘Leech’, Li Jingliang who bounced back from his loss against Chimaev in his previous fight against Muslim Salikhov.
Michael Chandler shocked the world when he knocked out Tony Ferguson cold in the second round of their lightweight bout at UFC 274. This was Ferguson’s fourth consecutive loss in a row, and many have suggested that Tony should either lace his gloves, or reflect upon his past few losses and take some time off. However, Ferguson is making a quick turnaround by returning to fight Jingliang at welterweight.
Li made his professional debut in 2007, winning via submission due to punches in the second round. He would go on to compile a record of 8–2, capturing the Legend FC Welterweight Championship in the process, before being granted his release and signed by the UFC.
The ‘Leech’ has been competing in the UFC since 2014, and has 10 wins and 5 losses in his UFC career.
Our Prediction- Tony Ferguson is currently on a downward spiral in his career. He did not take enough time off from his previous loss to Chandler which suggests that he is rushing to get back to winning ways. We predict that Li Jingliang will either finish Ferguson or score a unanimous decision victory.
Odds- Li Jingliang (-305) vs. Tony Ferguson (+255)
Other Fights Odds
Kevin Holland (-200) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (+170)
Irene Aldana (-180) vs. Macy Chaisson (+155)
Johnny Walker (+165) vs. Ion Cutelaba (-195)
Hakeem Dawodu (-225) vs. Julian Erosa (+190)
Jailton Almedia (-660) vs. Anton Turkalj (+490)
Denis Tiuliulin (+110) vs. Jamie Pickett (-130)
Jake Collier (-410) vs. Chris Barnett (+330)
Norma Dumont (-410) vs. Danyelle Wolf (+330)
Chad Anheliger (+145) vs. Alatengheili (-170)
Melissa Martinez (-165) vs. Elise Reid (+140)
Darian Weeks (-125) vs. Yohan Lainesse (+105)
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