Nate Diaz came into Saturday night’s UFC on FOX 3 main event as an underdog against Jim Miller, but he proved those odds to be very wrong in dominating the fight before earning a submission victory in Round 2.
As a mixed martial arts writer, it can sometimes be tough to admit when you’re wrong…and this is one of those times.
On Friday afternoon, I confidently predicted that Jim Miller would control Diaz with his wrestling and out-point him on his way to a judges’ decision victory.
Boy, was I wrong.
Not only was Miller’s wrestling ineffective, he also got completely picked apart on the feet. When the fight finally went to the ground, it was on Diaz’s terms as he quickly wrapped up a deep guillotine choke that got the submission.
The discussion is no longer about whether Nate Diaz is in Jim Miller’s league. That has been answered emphatically. The question now is whether Nate Diaz should be fighting for a title immediately.
After doubting Diaz going into this fight, I’m done. This guy is a flat-out beast and there is no doubt in my mind that he should be leapfrogging everyone on his way to an immediate title shot.
Many will point to Anthony “Showtime” Pettis as the guy who should be fighting for the title next. There’s certainly an argument to be made there after the former WEC champion was denied an immediate shot when he came to the UFC. He’s an extremely entertaining fighter who even holds a win over the current champion Benson Henderson.
But Nate Diaz did something tonight that no one had ever done to Jim Miller. In 24 fights, Miller had only lost three fights—to Benson Henderson, Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar. As good as those fighters are, none of them was able to finish Miller.
Not only did Diaz finish Miller, he made it look EASY.
The younger Diaz brother has gone 3-0 with three completely one-sided victories since returning to the 155-pound division. Love him or hate him, Nate Diaz deserves to be fighting for the title.
It’s that polarizing capability that makes the Diaz brothers such stars in this sport. Nate has always followed in the shadow of Nick, but with Nick currently suspended, perhaps it’s time for the younger brother to finally take his place at the top of the MMA rankings.
Look out, Benson Henderson—Nate Diaz is coming.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com