Since 2006 fans have waited for Nick Diaz (25-7-0) to make
his UFC return and at 137 this Saturday he will be doing so. His long-awaited
return will be against friend and former training partner “The Prodigy” B.J.
Penn (16-7-2).
Both fighters are looking to prove that they are next
in-line for a welterweight title shot and a win for either mane will make a
strong case for that argument.
With that said, let’s take a look at UFC 137’s ever-changing
main event and what fans can expect to see.
1) A stand-up battle: As much as both fighters are skilled
at grappling and submissions, do not be surprised if this one stays on its
feet. Both Penn and Diaz are excellent boxers and more than happy to spend all
three rounds throwing punches while looking for the big knockout blow.
2) Penn to force it to the ground: Penn is one of those
fighters that will hype a big portion of his fighting style and end up
switching it a moments notice. I figure after a few minutes exchanging strikes
with Diaz, Penn will realize his boxing isn’t as dangerous and try to force it
to the ground. There he’ll likely look to apply some pressure.
3) Penn will try to slow it down: This ties in with the
aforementioned expectation. If Penn is able to get things on the ground and
gain control, look for him to try and keep the match there. If he slows it down
and fights a less hectic pace it will work in his favor.
4) Diaz to push tempo: As much as Penn will want to slow
things down, Diaz will be pushing the tempo from the first bell. If he forces
it to the ground, do not expect for it to be a drawn out fight. Diaz will
either look for a submission or transition back into a stand-up position.
5) Penn will come away with the scorecard victory or Diaz
will win via a finish (TKO or submission): Both fighters have been talking up
their boxing skills, but truth be told Diaz has the better boxing pedigree and
skill. Penn can last with him for a while, but he will quickly realize that his
boxing is no match for that of Diaz. That being the case, I fully expect Penn
to try and take this to the ground as quickly as possible and maintain control
there. If that happens, I see Penn getting the win. If things stay at a frantic
pace, which will work in Nick’s favor, it’ll be Diaz getting his hand raised.
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to watch the
card. There’ll be two heavyweight battles, Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo and
Mirko Cro Crop vs. Roy Nelson, to get you prepared for the Diaz vs. Penn main
event plus several other intriguing match-ups. But, Diaz and Penn are top billing
for a reason.
Want more of a breakdown? Check this video of Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez breaking down the fight himself (courtesy of Inside the Cage and CSNBayArea.com).
Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NiteshDutt and follow Gilbert at www.twitter.com/gilbertmelendez
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