Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz have already produced some fireworks in their pre-fight lead-up to UFC 141 in Las Vegas.
Diaz has already knocked off Cerrone’s cowboy hat, and words have been exchanged through interviews. If you haven’t seen the cowboy hat moment, watch it, because it will make you want this fight to come sooner.
These two fighters are very skilled in the striking department, but what separates these two fighters is the diversity of their arsenal.
Cerrone will utilize knees and elbows if necessary, and not only that, his leg kicks will chop down Diaz if used.
I think that diversity gives Cerrone the edge in the most important area of this fight, as both fighters will bang it out on their feet. This doesn’t deny Diaz’s boxing skills, which are very good and in his most recent fight very accurate.
The fact remains, though, that compared to Cerrone, Diaz isn’t as diversified in his standup.
On the ground, I think both fighters are very even. Diaz has a great Brazilian jiu-jitsu background from Cesar Gracie and is deadly on the ground, as Takanori Gomi can attest to.
Cerrone, though, is also very good on the ground and has great offensive grappling. Thirteen of Cerrone’s 17 wins have come by submission, just to prove that point.
All in all, I think this is a great fight, and in the spirit of the cowboy and John McClane, “Yippie-kai-yay.”
To those who haven’t seen Die Hard, please leave your man-card at the door.
Cerrone by unanimous decision or third-round TKO
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