UFC 279: Chimaev vs. Diaz Odds, Predictions and Pre-Weigh-In Hype
The Khamzat Chimaev hype train meets Stockton's own Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 279 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The matchup marks the first time Diaz has fought in the UFC since June of 2021 when he lost a unanimous decision to Leon Edwards.
Now, he draws one of the toughest matchups in the division. Chimaev has enjoyed a rapid ascent up the UFC rankings. He proved his worth against a legitimate contender in Gilbert Burns and will now get his shot at headlining a card against a bona fide star.
It's a great opportunity for Chimaev as he continues to grow his brand and work toward a title shot.
Here's a look at what the rest of the card has to offer and the latest from the fighters heading into the weigh-ins.
Fight Card, Schedule and Odds
Main Card (ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET)
- Khamzat Chimaev -1250 vs. Nate Diaz +800
- Li Jingliang -300 vs. Tony Ferguson +250
- Kevin Holland -195 vs. Daniel Rodriguez +165
- Irene Aldana -180 vs. Macy Chiasson +155
- Ion Cutelaba -200 vs. Johnny Walker +170
Prelims (ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET)
- Hakeem Dawodu -225 vs. Julian Erosa +190
- Anton Turkalj +490 vs. Jailton Almeida -660
- Jamie Pickett -130 vs. Denis Tiuliulin +110
- Jake Collier -435 vs. Chris Barnett +350
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. ET)
- Norma Dumont -410 vs. Danyelle Wolf +330
- Alatengheili -180 vs. Chad Anheliger +155
- Melissa Martinez -165 vs. Elise Reed +140
- Darian Weeks -125 vs. Yohan Lainesse +105
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Nate Diaz Not Excited for Matchup with Khamzat Chimaev
For better or worse, Nick and Nate Diaz have never shied from keeping it real. For better or worse, the Diaz brothers aren't afraid to tell the media how they feel about things.
In the case of Nate in this fight, it means not really trying to sell the fight.
"They're acting like I called for this fight, which I didn't call for and don't want and didn't want and still don't want," Diaz told Brett Okamoto of ESPN (h/t Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports).
Diaz went on to explain that he feels like this fight has been made to "create" Chimaev. A win over someone with Diaz's name recognition would only create more buzz for the rising Swede.
Ultimately, Diaz is probably right. His most notable win came against Conor McGregor in a fight that he was able to take advantage of The Notorious' cardio.
That's not likely to happen against Chimaev. His wrestling and pressure are bad news for Diaz. If he can keep it standing, it might get interesting. Otherwise, this is just a showcase fight for Chimaev.
Prediction: Chimaev via second-round TKO
Tony Ferguson Excited for Return to Welterweight
Tony Ferguson first made his name in the UFC when he won The Ultimate FIghter 13 as a welterweight in 2011. He'll return to that weight class for the first time since then on Saturday night against Li Jingliang.
After a lengthy run at lightweight, El Cucuy believes he's a dangerous man without cutting as much weight.
“170 is home. Love it,” Ferguson told media. “This is where I hang my hat. I’m 14-2 with mostly knockouts at 170. So, like I said, it’s where I hang my hat."
Weight-class changes can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it really is the optimal weight for a fighter. Sometimes a fighter is stuck behind some contenders or lost to the champion.
However, it can also be a last resort to stay relevant.
Ferguson fits into the last category. He's lost four fights in a row, with a knockout loss to Michael Chandler last time he fought. Jingliang is a well-rounded fighter who is unafraid of pushing the pace.
He's also a strong grappler with the ability to win in a slugfest or with his wrestling.
That's not good news for Ferguson.
Prediction: Jingliang via third-round TKO
Daniel Rodriguez Anticipating 'Amazing' Fight with Kevin Holland
Daniel Rodriguez and Kevin Holland were originally scheduled to lock horns back in May 2020. Unfortunately, an injury forced Holland out of the bout, and Rodriguez fought Gabriel Green, winning a unanimous decision.
Since then, both Rodriguez and Holland have proved themselves in the UFC. This time around, the fight is going down on the main card with some pretty big draws fighting right after them.
It's an opportunity the 35-year-old is excited for.
"Kevin Holland, fighting him coming back, is a fun fight for me," he said, per Nolan King and Ken Hathaway of MMA Junkie. "It’s a fight that was supposed to happen. The fans have been wanting me to fight him forever. I’m just glad I get to come back and fight him."
Holland is a relative favorite, but Rodriguez shouldn't be discounted here. He has just two losses in his career, and he outscored Kevin Lee last time we saw him in the cage.
It's a tough call because Holland has looked good since going back down to welterweight from middleweight. He's won two fights in a row since the change. However, Rodriguez's willingness to exchange in the pocket could make him a live dog.
Prediction: Rodriguez via decision
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