Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz Prediction: Boxing Betting Odds
For Masvidal, Saturday’s matchup marks the first time he has stepped into a boxing ring in two decades and his first fight of any kind in 15 months since seeing his UFC career end with four straight defeats. After stepping away from the UFC two years ago, Diaz made his boxing debut last summer, going 10 rounds with Jake Paul before taking a unanimous decision loss
Despite his long layoff, Masvidal is set to enter the ring on Saturday as a +225 favourite. Diaz lags as a +200 underdog while the odds of this contest ending in a draw are pegged at +1200.
Jorge Masvidal Odds
One of the most popular UFC fighters of all time, Masvidal enjoyed a long 20-year MMA career before calling it quits after suffering four straight defeats including losses in two bids for the UFC welterweight title against then-champion Kamaru Usman. While his MMA career may be over, the move to boxing is a natural for “Gamebred”, whose experience is rooted in the sweet science. The 39-year-old was a feared striker during his UFC days, with 16 of his 35 career wins coming by knockout including his spectacular KO win over Ben Askren just five seconds into their clash at UFC 239 that remains the fastest knockout in UFC history. Masvidal also topped Diaz in their lone previous battle for the BMF title, claiming victory by fifth-round TKO in an epic battle at UFC 244.
Nate Diaz Odds
Diaz will be eager to avenge his loss to Masvidal in their BMF title matchup that left the 39-year-old southpaw bloodied and battered. The Stockton, California didn’t fight again for over a year and a half after that beating, following up with a five-round unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards before closing out his UFC career with a fourth-round submission win over Tony Ferguson. Like Masvidal, Diaz enjoys a loyal following among MMA fans and could enjoy somewhat of a hometown advantage in Saturday’s clash in Anaheim. The former UFC lightweight contender has kept busy since leaving the octagon with intensive boxing training and did not embarrass himself in his unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in his boxing debut last August.
Boxing Prediction: Jorge Masvidal vs Nate Diaz
It has been a long layoff for Masvidal since leaving the UFC. However, his boxing skillset and previous experience in the ring should serve him well on Saturday night. Unlike Gamebred, Diaz is much more comfortable grappling than going toe-to-toe, with 12 of his 21 career wins coming by submission. But without the option to change levels, he will be at a distinct disadvantage against a natural boxer like Masvidal, who is well positioned to finish Diaz well within the distance in this intriguing matchup.
Prediction: Jorge Masvidal (-225)
