UFC 279: Preview and prediction for Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson

UFC 279: Preview and prediction for Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson.

After two chaotic days of backstage altercations, weight cuts mishaps, and a slate of new opponents for the three leading fights on the UFC 279 main card, there is officially a five-round main event between Nate Diaz (20-13) and Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson (25-7).

Diaz and Ferguson both weighed in successfully at the welterweight limit of 171 lbs., and the veterans are expected to give exactly what fight fans wanted all along- a fair and exciting fight amongst two legends.

Diaz is currently on a two-fight losing skid and his final fight in his UFC contract, meanwhile Ferguson is riding a four-fight losing steak, so both competitors will be eager to look to have their hands raised after all the action.

Who will win at UFC 279: Nate Diaz or Tony Ferguson?

The main event is going to be a slugfest from the first strike thrown to the ring of the bell of the fifth round. Diaz’s and Ferguson’s styles are fairly complementary to each other since both rely on a striking core with jiu-jitsu as their defense if taken down.

It is important to note that Nate Diaz has been fighting at welterweight since 2016 and has a record of 3-6 in the weight class. Diaz will rely on his cardio and toughness, along with his inside the octagon antics to edge out a victory.

Ferguson has an impressive record of 11-2 at 170 lbs. but it’s a fairly new weight class for him because his last bout at welterweight was in 2011. “El Cucuy” will utilize his craftiness and athleticism to favor him in this last-minute matchup. Ferguson was originally scheduled for a three-round affair with Li Jingliang.

As of recent, Ferguson has struggled with both strikers and grapplers but did have a good first round against Michael Chandler until getting knocked out cold for the first time. Diaz typically is the first to bleed due to his scar tissue, but in his previous bout, he had his shining moment when significantly hurting the current welterweight champ, Leon Edwards.

The Californian natives are guaranteed to deliver a phenomenal fight that many are expected to remember, considering the optics of Diaz’s possible final fight in the UFC and the drama-filled fight week. At this moment due to Ferguson’s struggles and Diaz’s endurance and late-round assertiveness, I currently edge the Stockholm-born fighter to have his well-deserved win and farewell.

Prediction: Diaz via unanimous decision.

UFC 279: Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on-site, for all your news and highlights.