Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal: UFC Fighters’ Predictions and Picks

In the most anticipated fight of the year, Jorge Masvidal takes on Nate Diaz with the BMF (Baddest Mother f****r) title on the line at UFC 244. Jorge Masvidal has brought a different kind of violence to the division with two brutal knockouts in his last two fights. While one of the biggest stars in UFC history, Nate Diaz made his much anticipated UFC return against former champion, Anthony Pettis and made a statement with a dominant win.

The BMF title is not the only thing that is going to be on the line at MSG. The winner of Masvidal vs Diaz might be the next in line for a shot at UFC welterweight title. With stakes this high it’s safe to assume that fans are going to be on the edge of their sits, enjoying two veterans battle it out for the ultimate glory.

It’s a tough fight to predict. On one hand, you have Masvidal who is an excellent striker, has solid ground game and good wrestling. He may not be the most powerful in the division, but he got the skills to knock his opponent out cold if he gets the opening. On the other hand, Nate Diaz does not get knocked out so easily. In a 5 round fight, Diaz will keep coming for the entire 25 minutes. He is an exceptional boxer and has a lethal ground game. This is one of the fights that has split the MMA fans, cheering for their favorite fighter. Let’s have a look at what these UFC fighters think about Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal.

Jorge Masvidal‘s former best friend and the former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington is leaning towards Nate Diaz to get the job done at MSG. In a recent interview with ScoreMMA, Covington said:

“I see Nate Diaz getting the win. I think that he has got the cardio and Jorge does not have cardio. He is a front runner, he is gonna come out hard. And I don’t think he has got what it takes anymore. He has been in a lot of fights and his 50-50 records is not going to hold well.”

UFC veteran, Donald Cerrone has fought both Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal in his UFC career and he is favoring Masvidal to win the BMF title on 2nd November. Cerrone predicted:

“I am going with Masvidal. I think he is more well rounded. But Diaz is good too. He is gonna be right there with the boxing and conditioning all day long. So we will see man.”

Masvidal’s last opponent, Ben Askren also sides with Masvidal on this one saying:

“I think Masvidal is gonna win. I think he is probably a better fighter than Nate Diaz. So I guess I am gonna pick him.”

UFC lightweight, Kevin Lee, however, thinks Masvidal may not be able to perform to his full potential due to all the media appearances he has been doing lately. Lee added:

“If you had asked me any other time I think Masvidal wins this hands down. But the man is doing a lot of media. He better show up ready against somebody like Diaz, especially in a 5 round fight. So in a 5 rounder, I might go with Diaz to wear him out with that cardio.”

Former welterweight title contender, Stephen Thompson is leaning towards Masvidal although he likes the chances of Diaz in the fight to. Thompson added:

“Both guys are very similar. I do believe that Jorge Masvidal is a type of guy who would throw something exciting. Nate Diaz is a walking zombie. He takes shot, he comes forward, he does not do anything flashy. Jorge Masvidal may throw something flashy up there. But both are very similar fighters. They do take some shots. I do believe Jorge Masvidal is the faster fighter. I see this fight going 5 rounds.”

Former UFC champion, Demetrious Johnson said:

“The person who is more athletic and more explosive is probably Jorge Masvidal. Nate Diaz is very durable, he puts his punches together, he comes forward all the time. I would say Nate has probably the advantage in the grappling department. But both of those guys are legit stand-up artists. I think somebody is going to get knocked out or finished.”

UFC lightweight, Dan Hooker favors the well-rounded game of Masvidal in this clash as he said:

“I think Masvidal. He just has the cleaner boxing. He just has a more versatile arsenal, can mix the kicks up a bit better, has the wrestling to defend any kind of takedown at the end. And he has the cleaner hands of the two. I think they have the same amount of power, I think Masvidal has the cleaner technique.”

UFC middleweight, Jared Cannonier picked Jorge Masvidal to win as he said:

“I really like Jorge in this one. I think he has less holes. I think Nate gets hit a lot, but that dude is tough. If he starts hitting you it’s gonna be high volume of punches then it will definitely go in his way. I don’t know who is going to win that fight, I don’t care who wins that fight, I am just gonna be watching it.”

Jorge Masvidal’s recent victim, Darren Till is also leaning towards Masvidal, 

“Nate Diaz is a cardio king, but he does not possess the power I got. So I don’t know if Nate will knock Masvidal out. Cause I hit Masvidal with a strong left hand, but he still survived. I feel that fight is going to be a 5 round war as well.”

Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal is going to be absolute chaos for sure. This fight was very close to get cancelled after the steroids allegations on Nate Diaz. However, the fight is back on and we can expect some fireworks when the favorite son of Stockton takes on the Goon from Miami on the main event of UFC 244.