UFC on Fox 5 (Nate Diaz vs. Benson Henderson) “Keys To Victory”
As Promised by Dana White, (Following the controversial split decision win in his rematch against Frankie Edgar) Benson Henderson’s next title defense will not be another rematch. The next time he puts his belt on the line will be at UFC on Fox 5, December 8th against the infamous Nate Diaz. Though this will be one of the UFC’s last UFC events of the year, with these two fast pace fighters headlining, it probably won’t be the least. Both fighters are on an impressive win streak against notable fighters and have already stated that they are ready for war.
No. 1 contender Nate Diaz is on a three fight win streak with impressive victories over Takanori Gomi, Donald Cerrone, and a submission win over Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 that undoubtedly put him in contention for Bendo’s belt. Diaz is an in your face fighter with crisp boxing and lightning fast submissions. Henderson himself calls Diaz’s submissions “knock out Submissions” and is well aware that it only takes one mistake to get caught in one. With his always pressing forward approach like that against Cerrone, look for Diaz to try to snuff out Henderson’s more powerful flurries of striking similar to the successful approach that Anthony Pettis had against Henderson in their WEC bout.
The Diaz brothers are known for their stamina as they both compete in marathons and triathlon, however Nate has never fought more than a three round fight in his career, while Henderson has seen the championship rounds four times. If Diaz can avoid a KO by way of Benson Henderson’s heavy hands and feet for five rounds, and keep his endurance, he could very well win by decision and be the first of the Diaz Bros to see UFC gold.
Lightweight champion Benson Henderson is on a five fight win streak going into this fight, including two controversial wins over former champ Frankie Edgar. Though Henderson is the betting favorite, it’s safe to say even he knows this title defense is no gimme. It’s no secret Henderson is stronger than Diaz with better takedowns and great leg kicks. It’s what he does after the takedown or leg kick that will make the difference. Cerrone was also stronger and knocked Diaz’s feet right out from under him with many successful leg kicks, but failed to capitalize on it. Henderson has great ground and pound and if Diaz is giving him problems on the feet, he’ll need to take Diaz down and use his top-notch wrestling and G&P to finish him down there. Respecting Diaz’s submission game too much though could cost him the fight like it did Cerrone. Henderson mixes his kicks and punches up very well so if he finds a way inside Nate’s boxing he could possibly end the fight early with a KO and retain his coveted gold strap.
With two of the most exciting Mixed Martial Artists in the lightweight division and a belt on the line, this fight should be nothing short of the best barnstormer. On December 8th at UFC on FOX 5 expect both of these guys to leave it all in the octagon like we’ve seen them do many times before. Between the boxing of Nate Diaz and the kicks and ground and pound from Benson Henderson fans should see a fight of the night performance and a bout definitely not a fight to miss.
Powered by Max Banner Ads
About the Author (Author Profile)
I've been an MMA fan ever since I watched Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture go at it the first time. I watched it off and on for a few years until about five years ago when I became completely addicted. I've been training bjj and boxing for a couple years now, and am about to start training judo. One of my life goals is to become a BJJ black belt. I'm also a photographer and have done photography for some of the local Houston area promotions. (Legacy MMA, IXFA MMA, and USA amateur boxing)Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
