I just feel like this is a fight that's happening because it'll make Chimaev look absolutely next level, because Diaz is a fan favourite, and is still held in high regard by many. The reality is he's been off the paces for a few years now, and isn't the fighter he used to be. Plus, Chimaev did lose some stock after that Burns fight.
So, I do think this is feeding Diaz to the dogs type of bout, and I'll probably be avoiding the fight all together in terms of betting. There's no reward for the obvious choice, and the likelihood of the underdog getting anything is rather slim. I'd say it's probably the most mismatched fight of this year.
This smells like a passing of the torch. Chimaev is an exciting fighter with an interesting personality too just like Diaz. Just perfect timing because this is also Diaz's last fight in his contract with the UFC. Dana will try to make Chimaev his next big fish.
A bad match up and Dana trying to completely destroy Diaz's future market. Especially if Jake Paul will try to lure Diaz into a boxing fight. Diaz tried to apply for a boxing license before and I haven't heard an update, probably blocked by Dana who's holding a live contract. Jake Paul also mentioned Diaz's name before.
