This weekend’s fight for Nate Diaz against Jim Miller has big meaning for Diaz.
Diaz, the younger brother of Nick Diaz, has been in his shadow and referred to as Nick Diaz’s younger brother. He can shed that title with a victory over Miller.
The younger Diaz has made a name for himself in his early UFC career, but his brother’s success seems to overshadow him. His last fight against Donald Cerrone was possibly the best fight of his career and gave him higher respect among the fans and his opponents. The full force of what Diaz can do was shown at UFC 141, and what we saw was just the beginning.
Miller is already established as one of the best fighters in UFC. He only has three losses in his career, all of which came from three of the best fighters in UFC, Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard and Benson Henderson.
Miller has something to prove as well. He wants to show that he belongs in the same conversation as those three fighters listed above. A loss to Diaz might make people think otherwise and have Miller rated as a very good fighter but not a great one.
Diaz has a record of 15-7, and after losing three out of four fights early in his career, he decided that he wanted to make a full-time move to the 170 lb. weight class. In his last 10 fights, he has a record of 5-5 and has been on the decline. However, as mentioned before he had possibly his greatest fight during his last match.
What we need to see out of Diaz is more consistency. That’s what’s separating Diaz from his brother and other great fighters. His Jiu-Jitsu skills are phenomenal, and he is a real explosive fighter. He needs to learn how to control himself when he gets in trouble, especially when he is getting out-wrestled. His impatience gets the best of him at times, and it needs to get controlled.
The fight should be a close battle that should go the distance. Diaz and Miller both have a lot to gain from this fight, but Diaz needs this fight more. Expect this fight to go the distance, with Diaz pulling out the victory. This fight is critical for him and his career, and he will realize it and come out more willing to win.
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