The UFC 279 main event is finally here.
And no, it’s not Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz. Instead, we’re getting a short-notice scrap between two legends in the sport. Tony Ferguson moves back up to welterweight to take on the younger Diaz brother. For Diaz, it could be the last UFC appearance for the Stockton superstar. For Ferguson, it’s a chance at redemption.
Round 1:
Nate Diaz attempts a few strikes at Tony Ferguson. Ferguson attacks the legs of Diaz. A stream of blood starts to pour out from the left shin of Ferguson as it appears Diaz checked one of his kicks.
Diaz lands a good combo on Ferguson and points at him. Diaz gets a leg kick in. Ferguson goes for an elbow and Diaz cracks ‘El Cucuy’ with counter strikes. Ferguson lands a hefty leg kick. Spinning Backfist attempt doesn’t land for Ferguson. Ferguson finishes the round with an aggressive combo.
Round 2:
Ferguson feints a takedown. Ferguson lands a 1-2 and hits Diaz with a dangerous right hand. Both men are very careful in their approach, taking their time on the feet.
Ferguson goes on the offensive with multiple leg kicks. A cut opens on the face of Ferguson, stemming from a past strike from Diaz. Ferguson falls down but gets back up. Diaz lands two hooks on Ferguson. Diaz continues to tag Tony with punches. Ferguson keeps at it with the leg kicks. Diaz lands a right hand and points a finger at Ferguson to end the round.
Round 3:
Ferguson’s headkick attempts are blocked by Diaz. Ferguson batters the legs of Diaz with kicks. Diaz walks away, shaking his head. The referee tells them to fight.
Diaz lands a flurry on Ferguson. Ferguson feints a takedown. Ferguson beats up the body of Diaz before throwing another leg kick. Diaz pushes forward, tagging Tony with shots. Diaz backs Ferguson to the cage, getting real aggressive in his approach. Diaz continues to tag Ferguson and he would point at him with a smile. Blood runs super red on the left shin of Ferguson. Diaz peppers Ferguson with shots to the head, Ferguson evades to end the round.
Round 4:
Diaz starts out with a series of strikes. Ferguson lands a nicely-timed leg kick. Diaz connects to the head of Ferguson with punches which leaves Ferguson on the defensive run.
Diaz batters the body of Ferguson. Diaz lands great jabs before Ferguson shoots for a takedown. Diaz would use this opportunity to jump guillotine on the neck of Ferguson. It doesn’t take long for the Stockton squeeze to tap out Tony Ferguson.
Official result: Nate Diaz submits Tony Ferguson in round 4 (guillotine)
Check out the highlights below: