This fight wasn't originally supposed to be on this card, but after a delay, Leon Edwards will be taking on Nate Diaz at UFC 263. It's a Welterweight matchup that has everything on the line. Edwards will likely receive a title shot if he wins, while Diaz is out to prove why he's one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. It's time to continue our UFC odds series with a Leon Edwards-Nate Diaz prediction and pick.
Leon Edwards is undoubtedly one of the best contenders in the world right now. In his last nine fights, Edwards is 8-0-1 after ending his last fight in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke to his opponent Belal Muhammad. A victory over Diaz makes Edwards next in line for a title shot.
Fan favorite Nate Diaz puts on a show every single time he enters the Octagon. His tough-guy, don't-care attitude makes hims extremely entertaining, and he has a knack of pulling off the impossible time and time again. If Edwards enters this matchup thinking it's a cakewalk, he'll be in for a long night.
Here's how the sportsbooks have set the odds for the Edwards-Diaz fight.
UFC 263: Leon Edwards-Nate Diaz odds
Leon Edwards -600
Nate Diaz +400
Over 4.5 rounds (+110)
Under 4.5 rounds (-140)
How Leon Edwards wins the fight
Edwards is the heavy favorite, as he's currently in his prime and has dominated everyone for the last five years. Rocky is incredibly well-rounded and brings a smart approach to the fight game. He's known to stick to his game plan and control the fight throughout. He'll look to do the same on Saturday against Nate Diaz.
His best bet is to utilize his patience and wear down Diaz with precise strikes. Diaz has a tendency to leave his legs open for leg kicks, so we should be seeing plenty of those throughout the fight. Once he gets his opponent wobbly from those, Edwards should get in closer and work Diaz in the clinch. If he can maintain his focus and not get caught up in Diaz's trash talking in the cage, then Edwards should walk away victorious.
How Nate Diaz wins the fight
Diaz is the heavy underdog, but that seems to be when he's at his best. He wasn't supposed to beat Conor McGregor, but he submitted him early on in their first matchup. Diaz tends to get inside his opponents' heads with constant jabs and trash talking, which we should see plenty of on Saturday. Additionally, The Stockton Slugger doesn't get going until he's bleeding, which happens in nearly every fight.
He'll likely enter this fight with a game plan to keep this one standing, then potentially take it to the ground later in the fight. Diaz is at his best when it's late in the bout with his opponent tired out. He never seems to gas out, and the longer the fight goes, the better Diaz gets. Look for him to use a lot of jabs and the famous Stockton Slap to wear down Edwards. If Edwards takes it to the ground, then Diaz will use his elite ground skills to attempt a submission finish.
Final Leon Edwards-Nate Diaz prediction & pick
Edwards is the heavy favorite for a reason, as he has looked like one of the best fighters in the world for quite some time now. Diaz is still an entertaining fighter who draws a crowd, but he's not quite the same athlete he used to be. Due to both of their fighting styles, this one should last longer than it should, but Edwards is likely to walk away as the winner.
FINAL PREDICTION & PICK: Leon Edwards wins by KO/TKO in Round 3.
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