In a few short days, Nate Diaz and Khamzat Chimaev will meet in one of the biggest fights of the year. The fan-favorite veteran and surging contender will collide in the headlining attraction of Saturday's UFC 279 event in Las Vegas, and while there will be no title on the line in their welterweight clash, it is incredibly significant for both.
Diaz (20-13), one of the most popular fighters in MMA history, will be fulfilling the final obligation on his UFC contract and potentially leaving the promotion afterward. A loss to Chimaev would hurt his negotiating power as he explores his options outside the Octagon, but a win would make him arguably the hottest commodity in combat sports.