Nate Diaz defeated Jorge Masvidal by majority decision in a 10-round boxing match, showcasing relentless volume and pressure to secure his revenge after nearly five years.
Nate Diaz waited nearly five years and crossed over to a new sport to finally get his revenge on Jorge Masvidal.
In a truly entertaining 10-round boxing match, Diaz got the nod over Masvidal by majority decision. The UFC veterans traded shots in a back-and-forth battle in front of a sold-out crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The difference for the two judges who scored the fight for Diaz seemed to be his relentless volume and pressure. This constant aggression kept Masvidal on his back foot.
Masvidal definitely landed the bigger power punches, but that didn’t sway the scorecards. Ultimately, it cost him the fight.
In the end, the judges scored the contest 97-93 and 98-92 for Diaz. The third official submitted a 95-95 draw.
That was still enough for Diaz to get the win in his second professional boxing match.
“It feels good to get the job done,” Diaz said afterward. “Mission accomplished.” He added, “I could feel the love out here every time. Shout out to California.”
“It’s all love,” he continued. “It’s always been respect for anyone I’m fighting.”
“He showed up and came to fight and so did I,” Diaz concluded, “so it’s all good.”
It was a classic Diaz performance early as he came out throwing punches in bunches. He targeted both head and body, backing Masvidal against the ropes.
That death-by-a-thousand-cuts style worked well for Diaz in MMA and translated seamlessly into boxing. He showed no fear stepping into exchanges with Masvidal.
Masvidal’s slow start may have been an attempt to figure out his range and timing against Diaz’s pressure-filled offense. He finally got going more in the second round with a stiff left and a right hook that caught Diaz looking as they traded punches.
Masvidal clearly had better power as he continued cracking Diaz with stiffer shots early on, but Diaz wasn’t backing down. In return, he focused on a slick lead jab with his right hand followed by a left behind it.
The pitter-patter punches from Diaz never slowed down. Meanwhile, Masvidal really started sitting down on his punches as the fight wore on—massive lefts and rights aimed at both head and body.
As they moved into round five, Diaz poured on heavy-volume punches while Masvidal had to pace himself. Though not throwing as much as Diaz, when Masvidal let his hands go, he aimed to do damage with every shot.
Diaz’s remarkable pace would’ve worn down even a marathon runner; yet he didn’t slow one bit—continuing to push Masvidal backward towards corners or ropes.
Masvidal adopted an economical approach: playing defense first then picking moments to unload big counter punches.
This back-and-forth dynamic played out almost every round: combinations from Diaz versus huge counter shots from Masvidal that whipped sweat off their faces.
As time ticked away in the final round: A well-timed uppercut from Diaz followed by more stabbing right hands—the best punch of his night—while Masvidal uncorked another massive left hook until bell sounded!
Many rounds boiled down whether judges favored volume (Diaz) or power (Masvidal). In end? Nod went—to much chagrin of Jorge—Diaz!
“I thought I won,” said Masvidal afterward.“I thought I hit harder shots.” Adding,“We can do it again—we’re 1-1 now!”
Considering crowd reaction & fanfare surrounding both fighters—it wouldn’t be tough putting them back together again after such an entertaining show Saturday night!
While that’s possible? Nate already has sights set avenging another loss—and maybe returning UFC!
“I’m gonna beat Jake Paul’s f*cking ass,” declared Nate.”Then highest-ranked boxer I find!”
“My main objective?” Nate added,“Be best fighter world! So wanna go back get UFC title!” Concluding,“Leon Edwards? Jake Paul? Anybody else—you’re dead!”