The final fight on Nate Diaz’s UFC contract is the main event of UFC 279 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada this Saturday night on ESPN+ pay-per-view. It could be the final fight in the Octagon for one of the UFC’s most recognizable faces, and he’s a heavy underdog against an up-and-coming and undefeated opponent.

Welterweight Bout: Khamzat Chiamaev (11-0-0) vs. Nate Diaz (21-13-0)

Nate Diaz has had one of the most noteworthy careers in the history of the sport, including wins over big names like Conor McGregor, Gray Maynard, and Donald Cerrone.

Now, Diaz faces a tough task in rising star Khamzat Chimaev, who recorded finishes in 10 of his 11 fights (six by knockout; four by submission). His victory via decision was in his last fight–a win over Gilbert Burns in April.

Diaz hasn’t fought since a loss to Leon Edwards in June 2021, and prior to that, he lost to Jorge Masvidal in November 2019 via doctor stoppage. His last win was a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Pettis in August 2019.

Diaz is 37, which is nine years older than his opponent. With Diaz likely on his way out of the UFC, this appears to be a fight to have a new star made by beating a legend on his way to a title shot. Diaz, however, is the definition of a fighter, and Chimaev has only fought into the third round once. He has never got into the championship rounds, and this is a five-round fight due to it being the main event of the show.

The path to victory is a narrow one for Diaz, however, as Diaz’s strength (jiu-jitsu) is negated by Chimaev’s top game, and the odds, via FanDuel, reflect that.

Fight ResultBy KO/TKO/DQBy SubmissionBy Decision
Khamzat Chimaev-950-130+260+700
Nate Diaz+600+1300+1200+2300

Fight Is Currently in Question

Chimaev missed weight for the 170-pound fight by seven pounds on Friday, so there is talk that this fight may be canceled. The semi-main event is also a welterweight bout between Li Jingliang vs. Tony Ferguson, so there is a chance that one of those two fighters could be pitted against Diaz.

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