For the first time since UFC 202, Nate Diaz will be entering the Octagon at UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden on November 3. Standing across from Diaz is an equally game opponent in Dustin Poirier. This fight is just what the UFC needed and fans will not be disappointed when these two gladiators enter the cage.
Online sportsbook Sportsbook has the more active Poirier Sportsbook as the -180 favorite with Diaz coming back at +155. Poirier enters the fight having gone 8-1-1 over his last 10 fights and has closed as the favorite in nine of those bouts with an average line of -190.2. Meanwhile, Diaz has been an underdog in seven of his last eight fights while he holds a 4-4 record over that span. I imagine the line will move in Diaz’s favor as we inch toward this card just based on his name alone, but make no bones about it, this fight will be hotly contested both physically and verbally.
Breaking down Diaz vs Poirier
Diaz (+155) is known for standing in the center of the Octagon and letting his hands fly, going toe to toe with each opponent while pointing and laughing if his counterpart elects to back away. Nate has outstanding cardio, constantly throwing punches and kicks while moving forward and getting in the face of his opponent. The Stockton native averages 4.64 strikes per minute while absorbing 3.69 significant strikes per minute. What many people overlook is Diaz’s lethal jiu-jitsu game that was on full display when he clashed with Conor McGregor the first time as he earned the second-round rear naked choke victory.
Poirier (-180) mirrors Diaz with his no-fear mentality and willingness to brawl with any man. “The Diamond” averages 5.59 strikes per minute and has outstruck his opponents by a double-digit margin in eight of his last nine fights, winning five of those bouts by T/KO. The Louisiana native has collected four post-fight bonuses over his last five scraps, including three Fight of the Night bonuses. Poirier is a well-rounded fighter, earning 12 T/KO victories, seven submissions and five wins by decision for a total of 24 times that his hand has been raised.
Fans should be absolutely fired up for this upcoming bout at the mecca of fighting, Madison Square Garden. These two brawlers will surely be running their mouths leading up to and during this fight while they go toe to toe. Diaz doesn’t mind absorbing damage and will likely be leaking like a faucet after the first round, which won’t bother him in the least. Meanwhile, Poirier is slightly better at avoiding damage but like Diaz will have no problem in a phone-booth fight. All I can say about this bout is sit back and enjoy two men who won’t back down from each other and will put on a terrific performance.
- Nate Diaz +155
- Dustin Poirier -180
