#UFConFOX BENDO vs DIAZ : LW Belt on the line.

What's a more wonderful way to start off my afternoon than with the reminder that there will be FREE UFC Fights this weekend!  ( .. but being Filipina, I'll be entertained by boxing hero Manny Pacquiao - and PVR the fights.)

oh my dear Surfer Ken! I've decided to take a break from work to respond. (you're just that awesome!) So looking at both these young guns, it's difficult to make a set choice.

The odds?  Basically pick even. Showing Diaz as the underdog at +120 and Bendo coming in at -150 (as of today).  With that being said, I find it plausible for Diaz to give Bendo a run for his money.

Nate Diaz - since moving down to Lightweight has shown me dramatic improvements.  He seems more focused and less erratic in his style.  Even with his taunts, I find that he's found a better place in being in the lightweight division.  Quick hands, smooth froward movements, use of angles in his boxing combined with his (newly acquired) Black Belt in BJJ for his ground game.  Will he be well rounded enough for this match-up?   

Benson Henderson - making a new home in the UFC, assembling (a perfect) 5 wins; including capturing and defending the title from Frankie Edgar.  With his only loss in recent years from Anthony Pettis via infamous Showtime Kick, I wonder how long he will be able retain the LW Championship? A well rounded fighter, Bendo looks as of late that a decision win is most likely the scenario.

Hypothetically finding a way for Diaz to win seems like a daunting task.  After all, Bendo's reputation precedes him.  Could it be possible for Bendo to actually be challenged here? Will Diaz become flustered and frustrated in his attempt?

Being that this is Diaz's shot at the title and with his fearless way of fight, I have high hopes that he'll get the upset - or at the very least, show that Bendo can be broken.

Speaking of breaking, Diaz will have to find some way to evade the brutal leg kicks of Bendo.  As we saw in the Bendo/Edgar fight , those kicks can have devastating effects.  However, with Diaz having the reach advantage, it's more likely that he'll stay out of Bendo's range and pick him apart from the outside.

Let's remember, this is a 5 round fight.

Can Bendo avoid Diaz's boxing?  The only way I can think that will happen is if Bendo runs away from Diaz - which might cause Diaz to become overly aggressive and either 1) pursue Bendo with more authority and control the fight or 2) give Bendo an opening to take him down.

Bendo seems like a sure way to win by (split) decision.  or even perhaps Bendo may find himself able to mount Diaz and set him straight (to TKO) with some ground & pound.

Ultimately, I like for Nate Diaz to get his hands on the UFC gold. Stay out of Bendo's range, pick him apart with his boxing.  If he finds himself on the receiving end of a double, his counter with a guillotine combined with his lanky hands - he might be able to squeeze out a submission victory over Bendo.  Off his back, he might have some trouble but with steady wrist control he could prevent Bendo from doing any damage.  So long as Diaz remains calm, focused, and strong in his decisions to attack - this fight could very well be awarded honours.

So, Surfer Ken - I got Nate Diaz.

-trinidyAnna.