TUF-9 Finale on Saturday features two interesting fights with Nate Diaz heading into his bout with Joe Stevenson as a slight favourite while Diego Sanchez should have it a bit easier over Clay Guida in the main event.
betED.com has Diaz is a -155 favorite against Stevenson (+135) while Sanchez is a -325 fave against Guida (+225) in MMA Betting odds.
The Diaz (10-3) v Stevenson (20-2) bout has the MMA betting public intrigued with plenty of pre-fight banter suggesting Diaz’s pride is dented after a loss to Guida in their last bout.
But what has people really talking is the chance that Stevenson with back-to-back losses against Sanchez and Kenny Florian, faces eviction from the UFC fold if he suffers another loss.
Stevenson, known as a compact and strong fighter who is difficult to finish, will want to get Diaz to the ground early and keep him there to negate Diaz’s massive reach advantage but there is lies a problem for Stevenson – his grappling and finishing has also been questionable.
Diaz, who was on a five win streak before his last loss, has finished seven of his 10 ten wins by submission.
It is without question that Stevenson is the physically stronger of the pair but strength isn’t everything and the veteran will know this.
We like Diaz and his triangle choke in this fight while it is hard to go past Sanchez in the main event of the night.
Sanchez (20-2) was the inaugural winner of the Ultimate Fighter franchise and is desperate for a lightweight title.
Wrestler exponent Guida (25-9) will have to be careful against Sanchez who has dropped to the 155lbs weight division after back-to-back losses at welterweight.
Guida was gifted a split decision win against Diaz in his last bout which many pundits believe was extremely lucky for “The Carpenter” and Sanchez will be well aware that he needs to be on guard if the bout hits the floor.
Related posts: