MMA Preview – Jorge Masvidal vs Nate Diaz at UFC 244
THE FACTS
When is UFC 244? Sunday 3rd October, 2019 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 244? Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
What channel is UFC 244 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 244? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ which can you sign up to here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 244? https://www.ufc.com/tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
A ‘BMF’ title really isn’t necessary for this encounter at Madison Square Garden as fan-favourites Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz throw down to put on a show for UFC 244.
Masvidal’s stock is peaking right now and he is loving every second of it. After losing decisions to Demian Maia and then Stephen Thompson he pulled off two incredible knockouts to reach super-stardom. Firstly, Darren Till on his home patch and then the unforgettable flying knee and fastest knockout in UFC history which sent Ben Askren into a different dimension.
Diaz’s stock has always been high, especially after his clashes with Conor McGregor, and he is finally getting the recognition he deserves after slugging it out in the top bracket for over a decade. After being inactive for over three years, he returned to action to face an in-form Anthony Pettis but displayed no ring rust and put on an exceptional and dominant performance to prove he is still at the top of the food chain.
THE PREDICTION
This should be a technical and violent war. Diaz’s jiu-jitsu is on a different level but he is likely to keep that in reserve as they duke it out on the feet. Masvidal has the power advantage and is likely to have a strategy to catch Diaz off guard and set up a knockout.
Although Masvidal has the power to finish Diaz, the Stockton native’s chin is battle-tested, almost enjoying eating shots from his foes. The difference in this bout is likely to be Diaz’ relentless output and technical boxing to wear Masvidal down in the later rounds, possessing the cardio to keep up an overwhelming pace until the bell but it will be a close one.
Winner: Diaz via Decision
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
