While many believe Conor McGregor will run right through Nate Diaz this coming Saturday night at UFC 196, former title contender Kenny Florian believes the underdog has a strong shot at the upset.
Florian, a co-host on “UFC Tonight,” offered up his thoughts on the main event during a recent edition of the program.
“The Diaz brothers are always training and in shape. Nate’s got a longer reach than Conor and Conor hasn’t faced someone like that before,” Florian said. “Nate’s a big lightweight. He’s got a bigger frame and an excellent chin. He’s got the advantage on the ground.”
Diaz replaced UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in the headline fight from Las Vegas and MGM Grand Garden Arena less than two weeks ago. The 30-year-old returned in December from a year-long layoff and bested Michael Johnson, improving to 4-3 over his last seven fights.
McGregor, meanwhile, is the reigning UFC featherweight champion. He has agreed to take his main event fight at 170 pounds, entering new territory for “Notorious.”
“Conor will have speed advantage. Nate not known for his kicking game, but Conor is,” Florian added. “With Nate’s southpaw stance and his front leg out there, Conor will kick out that lead leg and he’ll also use spinning attacks. He has to get inside, vary his attacks and defend the takedown. He doesn’t want to be on the ground with a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt like Nate.”
