Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy or sign-up through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more but we’ll get a small commission that helps me in running this blog. Read the Disclosure page.
Nate Diaz is an underdog in his five-round welterweight bout with Leon Edwards on May 15 at UFC 262. Earlier this evening, Diaz (20-12 MMA) delighted fight fans when he announced his return to the Octagon. The Fight should take place in just six weeks.
Further updates from ESPN revealed that former lightweight title contender, Nate Diaz, had to face permanent welterweight title contender Leon Edwards in the first five-round co-main event in non-title promotion history.
Diaz hasn’t stepped into the cage since losing by TKO to Jorge Masvidal on his BMF title bid at UFC 244 in November 2019. Prior to this setback, ‘The Stockton Slugger’ had won by unanimous decision Anthony Pettis.
Meanwhile, Leon Edwards (18-3 MMA) competed just over two weeks ago at UFC Vegas 21, where his fight with Belal Muhammad ended without competition due to an accidental eyeball from an Englishman. Prior to this disappointing result, “Rocky” had a streak of eight victories, including victories over Rafael dos Anjos, Gunnar Nelson and Donald Cerrone.
Given Nate Diaz’s long hiatus, combined with Leon Edwards’ current undefeated streak, forecasters have called the Stockton native an underdog at UFC 262.
As shown below by the always loyal Jed I. Goodman, Nate Diaz is currently listed as a +220 underdog to defeat Edwards on May 15th.
Current line:
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) March 31, 2021
Leon Edwards -275
Nate Diaz +220#UFC262 pic.twitter.com/AVSGy8UG56
UFC 262 is expected to headline the fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. The card also depicts the return of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson, who is set to take on Beneil Dariush.