UFC on Fox 5: Benson Henderson vs Nate Diaz

A fight that would normally headline a pay-per-view, Benson Henderson versus Nate Diaz is going to be the perfect finish to a night of great MMA. Both fighters have pros and cons that could make or break them in this fight.  The betting lines for this one are also ridiculously close.  This one is going to be exciting.

Diaz struggled early on in the Welterweight Division in the UFC, but he has since moved to the Lightweight Division and has never looked back.  Diaz’s edge over Henderson lies partially in head games and potentially in skill if he fights correctly.

Diaz has disposed of opponents in a much more impressive manner than Henderson.  Henderson likes to either take fights the distance as we seen when he fought Donald Cerrone or go for quick submissions as in the case with Jim Miller.  When Diaz faced those same opponents he delivered a boxing beat down to both those opponents to get the win.  Making for a pair of impressive victories trumping Henderson’s wins and Henderson knows this.  Henderson can’t let that get into his head, however, if he wants to get the win.

Diaz's "boxing style" striking.

Diaz’s key to victory will be going with the boxing game, but he does not want to rush Henderson at an unrelenting speed as that will allow Henderson to take the fight to the mat where Diaz could very well fall to a submission or lose due to a decision.  Diaz will need to pace himself and plan on going the full five rounds to get this victory.

Do not count out Henderson, though. He is 17-2 and the Lightweight Champion for a reason.    Henderson strategy is going to be one that is going to disappoint a lot of fans, but he is going to do what he has to do to win.  He will try and utilize his size advantage and pin Diaz against the cage and against the mat to prevent Diaz from using his superior striking skills to win.  If this happens expect a lot of boos, but also expect Henderson to walk away with the belt.

The money line for Diaz is at +135, a slight underdog.  Henderson’s money line is at -165.