In what was perhaps the best performance of his career, Nate Diaz defeated Donald Cerrone in UFC 141’s Fight of the Night.
Diaz used his excellent boxing to land an unheard of 258 punches to Cerrone’s 66.
What was scary about last night’s fight was Diaz looked every bit like his older brother Nick.
If Diaz can continue to improve and show his true potential, he could very well be like his brother and find himself as a top UFC contender in 2012.
Although many may argue with this, Diaz is a top-10, and possibly, a top-five lightweight.
Since Diaz won Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter, he has gone 9-5.
While his record may not look the greatest, take into consideration that some of those fights were fought at welterweight where Diaz was undersized.
His only losses at lightweight in the UFC have come to Joe Stevenson and two close split decision losses to Clay Guida and Gray Maynard.
It’s no secret that Diaz needs to work on his wrestling skills.
But his boxing along with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a dangerous combination for anyone he meets in the Octagon.
Diaz also has the same bad-boy quality that his brother Nick has.
Although it could be all for show, Diaz has the ability and attitude that both entertains fans and makes them want to see him lose.
Although it may take Diaz a couple more fights before he’s in a title match, he has the potential to get there sooner than later.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com