UFC 263: Leon Edwards vs Nate Diaz Preview, Odds, Prediction

The bout between Leon Edwards and Nate Diaz is maybe the most anticipated at the upcoming UFC 263, with all due respect to all other fighters on the main card. These two guys are creating a sensational atmosphere wherever they appear, which is why we don’t expect anything less here. Rocky is a massive favorite, fueled after the most recent match with Belal Muhammad and the no-contest outcome. As for Diaz, he knows what it is like to have the odds against you, and we are sure that the Stockton product can’t wait for the battle to start and prove all the bookies wrong.

Preview

Leon Edwards (-525) experienced several big jinxes in the last few months, which definitely slowed down his plans to challenge Kamaru Usman and take over the welterweight division. The most recent was against Belal Muhamad once he, unfortunately, poked the rival in the eye, with the fight stopping and being declared as a no contest.

This was a match that was supposed to be the last test for Edwards before the title fight, but instead, it was a great blow. Also, prior to this event, several of his other bouts were postponed, or canceled, and he was without a rival for a long time.

Tactically very well endowed, with great boxing skills and a very deep tank Edwards is one of the nastiest opponents in the division. You don’t know what will be his next move, as he always looks very aggressive and mad. Up until the event with Muhammad, he had eight straight wins, with the last loss being against Kamar Usman six years ago.

Nate Diaz (+350) comes to this one following his loss to Jorge Masvidal in a match for the BMF title. Though, it was only his second fight following a three-year pause. Doctors stopped the bout because of the cut above the right eye, which presented a great risk for Diaz. Previously he beat the former lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis, after a unanimous decision.

The American is one of the most iconic fighters in the UFC with his street style o behavior and very amusing appearance in the ring. No matter whether he wins or losses, he always wants more and isn’t going to back out regardless of the consequences or his current state. That is why many like Nate Diaz.

He is solid with Jiu-Jitsu and boxing, but his biggest weapon is incredible cardio and mentality in the ring. Diaz often knows how to drive the opponents mad and get under their skin. After all, he holds wins over Conor, Michael Johnson, Cowboy Cerrone, etc.

Prediction

If Rocky doesn’t finish this bout in the opening three rounds, he will have massive problems. We are not sure about Diaz’s current condition because we don’t know how he prepared, but his chances of winning are growing as rounds go by. Many are oeasily giving up on Diaz here and predict Edward’s fast KO, but we aren’t that sure about this. Our hunch here tells us to bet on the fight going to the distance, with the current odds on that +105. It is worth risking.

Here you can find the preview, odds and predictions for the match between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brendan Moreno.

Also, here is the preview for the middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori.