Tag: leon edwards

Nate Diaz is out to prove he’s still got what it takes to beat “the best of the best” when he takes on Leon Edwards in a non-title five-round fight at UFC 263.

The UFC fan favourite hasn’t fought since falling short in his bid to become the inaugural BMF titleholder. Diaz was beat up over three rounds by Jorge Masvidal before the UFC 244 main event was waved off by ringside doctor due to a cut.

Diaz spent a long time chasing a rematch with ‘Gamebred’ before ultimately settling for a bout with the often-avoided Englishman, Edwards. ‘Rocky’ has been at the top of the welterweight division for some time but has been unable to churn out a shot at the champion, Kamaru Usman. You’d expect a whoever wins this UFC 263 fight will be in pole position for the next crack at ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ despite Dana White suggesting Colby Covington is next in line.

Speaking on the UFC 263 preview show, Diaz insisted he is still on the top of his game and age is only improving his abilities as a fighter.

“I’ve been fighting for the last 10, 15 years,” Diaz said. “I’ve done it all. I’ve fought all these guys. I’ve done more and done better than anybody. Keeping it real all the way through. I’m like a triathlete, get better with age. Nobody has stayed on top as long as me, and I’m still headlining shows.

On June 12, Diaz promises to show people he can still beat “the best of the best.”

“I’m out there to show people I’ll beat the best of the best,” Diaz said. “If I’m not going to fight the biggest fight I could possibly find, I’m gonna fight the best fighter that I could possibly find.” (Transcribed by The Mac Life)

Who do you think will win at UFC 263? Nate Diaz or Leon Edwards?

The UFC welterweight title picture has overlooked Leon Edwards. So he plans on making a statement by finishing Nate Diaz at UFC 263.

Edwards (18-3, 10-2 UFC) has had a rough year and a half. After several canceled matches in 2020, Edwards contracted Covid-19. He finally returned to action earlier this year, only to inadvertently poke late notice replacement Belal Muhammed in the eye, causing the fight to end as a no contest. Though Edwards is currently ranked third in the division, he has yet to see a title shot.

As Edwards prepares for a five-round war with fan-favorite Nate Diaz (20-12, 15-10 UFC), he knows that a decisive victory over the unranked star could cement his title contention. Speaking to UFC Arabia’s Farah Hannoun, Edwards opened up about what he needs to do at UFC 263. (H/T MMA Junkie)

“I need to go out there and I need to put him away,” Edwards told Hannoun. “He’s only been stopped once, and that’s all I need. He’s been stopped, he’s not no robot, he’s not no invincible man. He has been stopped, and I truly believe I will go out there and stop him again – and I cannot wait. My skill set will be too much for him in the standup. On the ground, my strength will be too much for him. And I can’t wait to go out there and let him feel that.”

Stopping Diaz with strikes is a tall order for any fighter since it’s only happened once, back in 2013. Still, Edwards believes that he will simply be too much for Diaz.

“I envision going out there and just battering him from pillar to post and getting the stoppage,” Edwards said. “I know he’s a tough, durable guy, and I just don’t think being tough and durable is enough to beat me. I’ve worked hard, and I’ve dedicated myself for a long time, and it’s now time for my results to show. I can’t wait to go out there and prove that.”

When asked about Diaz’s legendary cardio, Edwards was clear on his stance that it wouldn’t make a difference.

“I don’t believe so,” Edwards said. “I’ve fought many main events and this is probably my fifth main event that I’m preparing for, so I’ve been here before. I’ve done it. I don’t feel it favors him, I think he just takes more punishment all five rounds, and that’s all I see. Me going out there and putting my hands on him and to put him away. I need to go out there and prove to the world that I deserve the next title shot, and that’s what I’m going out there to do.”

Do you believe Leon Edwards will finish Nate Diaz?