UFC on FOX 3 is in the books, and Nate Diaz is now one step closer to a UFC lightweight title shot.
Diaz was able to use his signature Stockton slap to out-strike Jim Miller on the feet. Eventually, Diaz was able to catch Miller in a guillotine choke to become the first man to stop Miller.
Here’s what we learned about the fight.
What we’ll remember about this fight
Diaz brought everything that you would expect in a typical Diaz fight.
Slap boxing, taunting and great ground work. Diaz picked his shots and utilized the clinch to pick Miller apart.
Miller hit some good shots, but Diaz had his number Saturday night at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ.
What we learned about Diaz:
Diaz is ready for a big fight. Only three other men have defeated Miller, and each have gone on to either win the UFC lightweight title or fought in multiple title fights.
Although Diaz is just as cocky as his older brother Nick, he prove that he is just as talented and dangerous. Unlike his brother, though, Nate has shown that he can abide by the rules by not having any controversy leading up to his fights.
In fact, Diaz showed great sportsmanship once the fight was over.
What we learned about Miller:
We already knew that Jim Miller was tough. Like so many other fighters, eventually you get stopped.
Miller is a great fighter.
But considering he has now lost to Diaz, lightweight champ Benson Henderson, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, he may just not be able to hang with the top contenders in the division.
What’s next for Diaz
With a third straight victory at lightweight, Diaz is now in now in line to face the winner of the Henderson-Edgar UFC 150 rematch, as promised by UFC president Dana White.
What’s next for Miller
Although this is only Miller’s fourth loss of his career, Miller is starting to look more like the ultimate gatekeeper instead of title contender.
Of course, Miller wants to be looked at as a serious contender, though. A bout with the loser of Clay Guida vs. Gray Maynard could get Miller back on track.
If he doesn’t want to wait that long, a fight against the winner or loser of Donald Cerrone vs. Jeremy Stephens, who fight each other in a couple of weeks at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier, could be an exciting fight for Miller.
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