Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Bohn and Ken Hathaway

Khamzat Chimaev hopes Nate Diaz can ‘survive’ five rounds in UFC 279 headliner

LAS VEGAS – Khamzat Chimaev wants Nate Diaz to show his trademark heart and durability in Saturday’s UFC 279 main event.

In what is set to be the final fight on Diaz’s current UFC contract, the fan-favorite will take on undefeated rising star Chimaev (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in a welterweight bout at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNNews and ESPN+.

Chimaev is currently the overwhelming betting favorite heading into the contest, and he said he intends to live up to those expectations by buzz-sawing through Diaz. Internally, though, Chimaev hopes Diaz (20-13 MMA, 15-11 UFC) can give him a long, competitive fight.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.