T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
We are just days away from perhaps the most highly anticipated fight of 2016, which sees ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor take on Nate Diaz in a rematch of their bout at UFC 196. Mixed martial arts is always fascinating to watch, with so many avenues for these athletes to win, it is always exciting and highly unpredictable.
Expect the majority of this fight to stay on the feet with both McGregor and Diaz preferring a stand-up style. While Diaz is certainly no slouch on the feet, the striking advantage would have to go to McGregor with his lightning speed and unorthodox movements. However, if the fight were to go to the ground, it would be Diaz with the clear advantage as he boasts a solid background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Conor controlled the opening round of their first encounter before being caught with a one-two combination by Diaz midway through the second round. By this stage, Conor looked to be physically drained and feeling the effects of stepping up not one, but two weight classes. McGregor made the unusual decision to take Diaz to the mat, which ultimately lead to his demise via rear naked choke.
There is no doubt that both fighters will be better prepared this time around, which adds to the intrigue of the bout. I feel as though McGregor is the technically better martial artist but his one-punch knockout power certainly isn’t as effective on guys at 170lb. Diaz is an amazingly tough competitor and has proven on numerous occasions that he has the tank to last the full fight and bring it to a decision. McGregor lasted three rounds with featherweight Max Holloway – with a torn anterior cruciate ligament – back in 2013. But fast forward three years, this will be a five-round fight at a different weight class so there is still an element of uncertainty.
I think if Conor McGregor was to win this fight it would be via points decision, or potentially a very late TKO. But in a 50-50 contest, I feel more confident backing the man with more avenues to victory.
Prediction – Nate Diaz via Submission (4th Round) - $3.50
Words: Jackson Clark (@JClarke182)
