With Nate Diaz set to face Mike Perry, it’s hard not to reflect on open workouts this week.
Perry went so hard he struggled to catch his breath when it ended. Diaz looked so lackadaisical that it was no surprise when he appeared to smoke a joint when it ended.
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But that doesn’t necessarily mean Perry will prevail in their welterweight fight Saturday, May 16 at the Intuit Dome.
Perry, 34, is younger and bigger than Diaz, 41. He also has more punching power, which he’s exhibited as a bare-knuckle brawler. Thus, his nickname: The King of Violence.
Diaz is significantly more experienced in MMA, and both men figure to be rusty.
Diaz’s last MMA fight took place in 2022, when he beat Tony Ferguson by guillotine choke and played out his UFC contract. His career MMA record is 21-13 with five KOs and 12 submissions.
Perry’s last MMA fight took place in 2021, when he lost to Daniel Rodriguez by unanimous decision. His career MMA record is 14-8 with 11 knockouts.
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Diaz likely will have to use his superior grappling skills to offset Perry’s striking ability, and Perry likely will have to punch his way to victory and defend against takedowns.
Although their approaches to open workouts seemed diametrically opposed, they have a common denominator: both men fought Jake Paul in the boxing ring.
In 2023, Diaz lost to Paul by unanimous decision. In 2024, Perry lost to Paul by sixth-round TKO.
Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry: Odds, predictions
Odds from BetMGM.
Andrew Richardson, MMA Mania: “The more likely outcome is that Perry’s power is felt early, allowing him to dictate exchanges and build damage rather than accumulate fatigue. Prediction: Perry by KO.”
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Brady Trettenero, Mixed Martial Arts News: “My early Diaz vs. Perry prediction starts with Perry. He’s seven years younger, has been in real combat sports action as recently as October, and brings a 79% knockout rate from his MMA days. Diaz is 41 and his last competitive MMA performance was a grind against Tony Ferguson nearly four years ago. Prediction: Mike Perry by decision.
Jeremy Stephens, UFC fighter: “For MMA, I’m going to go with Diaz. He’s long. He’s got the jiu-jitsu. It just depends on if he can get (Perry) on the ground and get it there. Because I don’t think if he doesn’t get him on the ground, it’s kind of tough in the standup. Perry’s a beast.’’ Prediction: Diaz wins.
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Full card
Card information according to Netflix:
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Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano (featherweight bout at 145 pounds)
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Francis Ngannou vs. Face Philipe Lins
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Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross
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Junior Dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne
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Muhammad Mokaev vs. Adriano Moraes
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Jefferson Creighton vs. Jason Jackson
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Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian
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David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales
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Aline Pereira vs. Jade Masson-Wong
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Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: USA TODAY Sports staff predictions
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Andrés Soto: Rousey by decision
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Jordan Mendoza: Rousey by submission
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Josh Peter: Rousey by submission
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Marcus D. Smith: Rousey by decision
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Jon Hoefling: Rousey by decision
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry fight predictions, odds and what to know
