The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host UFC 279: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz this Saturday. This is the second pay-per-view in 2022 to feature a non-championship bout as the headliner, and the main card is loaded with intriguing matchups.
Two massive welterweight bouts are set to headline and co-headline the upcoming pay-per-view. In the main event, Stockton’s own Nate Diaz will fight out his UFC contract and share his octagon swansong with surging contender Khamzat Chimaev. Another fan-favorite in Tony Ferguson is also set to return this weekend, against Chinese knockout artist Li Jingliang in the co-main.
The rest of the main card also features a couple of explosive matchups as Kevin Holland takes on Daniel Rodriguez after Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba square off in the pay-per-view opener. Overall, the main card is stacked with potential barnburners and should deliver a memorable night of MMA action.
Heading into the fight, Chimaev is a massive -1200 favorite while the American is a +700 underdog on FanDuel.
Heading into the fight, pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority of pros expect Chimaev to get a stoppage win, but they are rooting for Diaz to pull off the upset.
Professional fighters make their picks for Khamzat Chimaev’s fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 279
Stephen Thompson, UFC welterweight: Dude, why is this fight even happening? They are just feeding Nate to Chimaev, I feel bad for Nate but Chimaev will win by stoppage.
Geoff Neal, UFC welterweight: I think Chimaev gets it done, but I am rooting for Diaz to pull it off.
Terrance McKinney, UFC lightweight: Khamzat Chimaev wins by doctor stoppage due to cuts above Nate Diaz’s eyes in the third.
Julian Erosa, UFC featherweight: I’m actually going to go with Diaz. I do think Chimaev probably wins that fight, but you can never count out a Diaz so I’ll say Nate pulls off the massive upset.
Bryan Battle, UFC welterweight: Chimaev is the worst matchup possible for Diaz. Anyone who can overpower Nate and use wrestling is a bad matchup. There are not a whole lot of things in Diaz’s favor and Chimaev finishes him in the middle rounds. However, I don’t think Diaz would’ve taken this fight unless he thinks he can win, but I will say Chimaev.
Chad Anheliger, UFC bantamweight: I’ll pick Diaz, I hope he wins but the reality is Chimaev should win but hopefully Diaz gets it done.
Tyson Nam, UFC flyweight: Man, my heart wants to go with Diaz but Chimaev looks like the real deal so I’m picking Chimaev but I hope Diaz wins.
Damon Jackson, UFC featherweight: Diaz, I hope he can survive those early rounds and I think he can catch Chimaev with something late if Chimaev gasses. It would also be good for Chimaev to experience that.
Darian Weeks, UFC welterweight: Never sleep on a Diaz. I think Diaz sees something we don’t because he wanted this fight so I think he can pull it off.
Fighters picking Khamzat Chimaev: Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal, Terrance McKinney, Bryan Battle, Tyson Nam
Fighters picking Nate Diaz: Julian Erosa, Chad Anheliger, Damon Jackson, Darian Weeks
Israel Adesanya believes Nate Diaz has a chance against Khamzat Chimaev the longer the fight goes on