One of UFC's rising stars returns to action this weekend as Khamzat Chimaev takes on Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPNEWS/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6 p.m.).
Chimaev (11-0), who is 5-0 since entering the UFC, is coming off his first fight to go the distance in the promotion, a unanimous decision win over Gilbert Burns in April.
Diaz (21-13), who will be making his first appearance in the Octagon this year, could be making his last appearance with the promotion. Diaz is tied for the third-most submission wins in the lightweight division.
Big questions abound regarding this fight. Why are these two even facing off at their respective places in their careers? Can Diaz muster up one more iconic performance before his contract expires? What's at stake for Chimaev if he can add a big-name win to his ledger?
Former UFC fighter and ESPN MMA analyst Megan Anderson answers those questions and breaks down the marquee matchup at UFC 279.
