Brash lightweight star Nate Diaz (19-11, 4 KOs, 12 SUBs) meets surging contender Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (24-5, 12 KOs, 7 SUBs) at UFC 230 on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims.
Well, this was unexpected. Nate Diaz, who hasn’t fought for two years and has repeatedly stated that he only wants money fights, is returning to the cage to meet Dustin Poirier - literally days after The Diamond stated that he’d only fight for a title next.
Is this a money fight? Not really. It’s definitely not a title match either. But whatever their motivations are, it should be a wildly entertaining contest. Poirier is already one of the most exciting fighters in the game, and Diaz seems to always find a way to turn things into a street fight. When it comes to mental warfare, few do it better than the Stockton native - and Poirier has never been afraid to let his emotions dictate his actions.
Though Diaz’s recent resume doesn’t really justify such a high stakes contender bout, his drawing power speaks for itself. In the money fight era, how many tickets you sell is often more important than the wins and losses on your record. In this case, battling Diaz on a pay-per-view card was lucrative enough to make Poirier back off his claims that he was only interested in fighting for the title.
As the co-main event for UFC 230, this non-title bout is only scheduled for three rounds. Also on the card is a rematch between Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold, another important middleweight tilt with Ronaldo Souza and David Branch, and a rumored banger featuring Yoel Romero and Paulo Henrique Costa.
The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu were quick to release opening lines, and it’s should shock nobody that Poirier is a clear favorite.
Opening UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Nate Diaz +175
Dustin Poirier -210
More odds coming soon!
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed per minute: Diaz 4.64 / Poirier 5.59
Accuracy: Diaz 44% / Poirier 49%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Diaz 3.69 / Poirier 3.69
Defense: Diaz 54% / Poirier 56%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Diaz 1.17 / Poirier 1.75
Takedown accuracy: Diaz 30% / Poirier 41%
Takedown defense: Diaz 45% / Poirier 69%
Submission average: Diaz 1.4 / Poirier 1.3
Bet on Nate Diaz vs. Dustin Poirier Odds
There are a myriad of reasons that justify Poirier as the chalk play. First, he’s been actively competing at an elite level - some might say that he’s peaking as a fighter. His last three victories were stoppages against former champions, and he showed just about every tangible and intangible skill in the book. Diaz is a born fighter, but two years off is a long time, and by all accounts he was in the club for a lot of that time.
Poirier is also the more dynamic fighter. Physically, he’s a better athlete. He’s younger and more springy. We know he can crack, but he’s also shown the ability to dominate with his wrestling, and he’s a slick submission artist too.
Nate is a much more predictable fighter: he uses his iron chin, endless cardio and traditional boxing skills to wear down opponents. Both he and his brother are some of the best BJJ players in the business, but don’t possess the wrestling to impose that skillset. Still, relentlessly pursuing opponents and beating them in submission is one of the most thrilling MMA experiences there is.
Their ability to absorb damage and willingness to go toe-to-toe make this a can’t-miss fight. Make sure to check back in for updates on any line movements and our expert betting picks during fight week!
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your Mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 230 takes place on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims.
