UFC 279: Favorite Headlines Chimaev vs Diaz Fight Preview

There is excitement around UFC 279 and our Chimaev vs Diaz fight preview looks at the UFC 279 main event and every fight on the main card.

The sportsbooks have odds available for every fight, including Chimaev vs Diaz, which showcases different sides of the welterweight division.

Chimaev to Dominate

UFC 279 betting odds have Khamzat Chimaev at -1500 to beat Nate Diaz and we’re not shocked at those odds.

Chimaev is undefeated after 11 fights, and although he hasn’t been in the same brawling fights as Diaz, his wrestling is far superior.

Diaz is also at the tail-end of his career and he’s looking to pick up a handsome payday, so we would be surprised if Chimaev didn’t come out ahead.

Our Chimaev vs Diaz fight preview shows the favorite at -1500 to win, which is about as short as it gets for a UFC fight. It could be over before the five rounds are finished and that’s what bettors expect.

There was talk about a press conference fight, but Chamaev is ready.

“I’ve been born for war. I’m inside a warrior, don’t care,” Chamaev said. “When the fights come, you don’t care about money or what’s behind it, just fight. If he wants to fight there with his team, I have like 20 guys with me. We’ll fight with all the teams, you know. I hope so.

“I would love if it happens, some crazy things there. His team is old, brother. My team is fresh. We kill this. His team almost handicapped, brother.”

Li Handling Ferguson

We expect Jingliang Li to put another nail in the coffin for Tony Ferguson, who appears to be on his last legs with the UFC.

Li has looked much better recently with a win over Muslim Salikhov. His only recent loss came to Chimaev, which bolsters our Chimaev vs Diaz fight preview prediction.

We’re not keen on backing Ferguson, who hasn’t been the same since losing his titles, and rising in weight class is a risky and potentially career-ending move.

We can’t see him fighting well against bigger opponents and Li has plenty of power in his hands.

Holland Facing Toughest Test

We like what we have seen with Kevin Holland, but he squares up against Daniel Rodriguez and it should be a tough fight.

Holland has looked impressive since moving to catchweight. He knocked out Alex Oliveira before submitting Tim Means, and by all means, that’s impressive form.

Take nothing away from Rodriguez, who is 16-2 and he has looked good since arriving in the UFC in 2020.

However, the sportsbook has Holland as the favorite and we expect him to get the job done on the big stage at UFC 279.

We see big fights on the UFC schedule for Holland if he gets past Rodriguez.

Aldana Making Moves

It has been over a year since Irene Aldana knocked out Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 264, but she could return with a bang.

The Mexican is the -175 favorite with bookmakers to beat Macy Chiasson, who is the more inexperienced fighter at 9-2.

Chiasson scored a decision victory against Norma Dumont, but we didn’t think that win had much merit.

Aldana could be the new star of the bantamweight division and she has the power to end this fight early.