At UFC 279, Nate Diaz showed once more why he is one of the most popular UFC fighters. He outstriked and submitted Tony Ferguson and showed great skills and sportsmanship.
The event went from a disappointing poor matchup and choice of fighters to a great event in no time. In just 2 days so many changes happened surrounding the UFC 279 that in the end, the fight card looked completely different from what it was initially planned.
Nate Diaz Dominates Tony Ferguson – UFC 279 Main Event Turned Out To Be Better Than Expected
Dana White cancelled the UFC 279 press conference after Khamzat Chimaev’s team and Kevin Holland’s team entered into a heated brawl behind the stage. Then, Khamzat Chimaev missed weight by 7.5lbs resulting in eliminating him from the main bout.
The main event was given to Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson. Two old timers fighting in the same division and the same promotion for more than a decade.
Despite always fighting ‘near’ each other, they never happened to meet as opponents in the ring. Now, after more than a decade, they finally meet in what seems to be the ‘retirement’ match for Nate Diaz.
Nate Diaz started the match strong. He pressured Ferguson during the whole time and every now and then connected with some ‘basic’ jab-cross-hook combinations. Diaz’s defence showed to be extraordinary for this match since he blocked many strikes directed at his head.
Since Ferguson was unable to get to Diaz’s head, he worked his way going for Diaz’s legs. And that worked for a while. Diaz even showed a massive lump on his right leg.
The UFC fans got scared at one point that the bout may be cancelled mid-fight. Nate Diaz happened to disengage from the fight several times during the third round and refused to fight. However, it all showed to be an act. Finally, after breaking the act, the duo was back in the middle and exchanged the most significant strikes in the event.
After seeing that Ferguson doesn’t have anything against Nate on their feet, he decided to take him down and try to work his ‘magic’ there. However, this showed to be a completely incorrect decision. As soon as the duo went to the ground Diaz performed a choke and finished the fight.
What a way to leave the promotion. As Nate already told, this is most probably his last bout under the UFC promotion. It is most likely that we will not see him in the octagon. And Dana White ‘kinda’ confirmed it at the press.
“He’s fought incredible wars for us.” – Dana White said at the press. “He’s been a big part of this company for a very long time. What more could I ask of Nate Diaz? I wish him all the best in the world. It’s been fun.”
Nate Diaz is one of the most iconic names in the MMA sport and in the UFC. He has a unique fighting style, he is a true showman and he never disappoints his fan when a good show is in question.
What can we say except that it has been a wild ride for Nate? And this seems the right way to end it. He is someone that people value as fearless and ruthless. Even if he fought Chimaev, the outcome would’ve been uncertain.
At the post-fight interview, Diaz did ‘kinda’ confirm that he leaves the UFC but assured us that this is not the last of him. Will he go to another MMA promotion or will he transition to boxing – at the moment it is uncertain. However, with a performance as tonight’s many doors are open for him.
