Significant Stats | UFC 279

Key Stats: 7.89 strikes landed per minute (2nd all-time), +3.59 striking differential (5th all-time), 3.23 takedowns per 15 minutes

RELATED: Khamzat Chimaev Not Here To Be A Normal Fighter

What It Means: Chimaev is an absolute beast of a fighter. His aggression is a bit striking at first, whether he’s throwing hands or diving in for a takedown. “Borz” goes all-out and seems to have the gas tank to do it so far. On the feet, he has fundamental striking but kind of freaky power that doesn’t necessarily require him to wind up much. However, he’s a real standout when it comes to grappling. With a great freestyle wrestling base, Chimaev hustles and explodes to every position and has the strength to more or less ragdoll opponents. When he is on top, he is vicious with ground-and-pound and seems to portray a particular enjoyment in letting his hands go with malicious intent.

Nate Diaz

Key Stats: 9 submission wins (tied 4th all-time), 15 total fight night bonuses (tied 3rd all-time), 15:07 average fight time (8th longest all-time among WW)

RELATED: Forever Nate Diaz | Diaz Fight Week Interview

What It Means: Diaz is a fighter’s fighter who is as comfortable in brawls and technical affairs as anyone on the roster. He stands heavy on his lead leg from a southpaw stance and possesses smooth boxing and counterstriking utilizing long jabs and combinations. On the ground, he has as tricky a guard as anyone, with great dexterity in his limbs to pull off a multitude of submissions. Diaz’s gas tank never really fades, and he will happily stay in his opponent’s face for the entire duration of the fight while talking trash.

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What to Look For in the Fight: Despite Gilbert Burns’ best efforts, nobody has stopped the juggernaut that is Chimaev in the Octagon. In terms of a skill-for-skill matchup, Diaz presents a tricky challenge given his jiu jitsu if Chimaev dives in recklessly, but “Borz” did navigate Burns’ guard well enough. Because Diaz is so heavy on his lead leg, it’s there for Chimaev’s taking, but Diaz is notoriously hard to put away, so if Chiamev starts to fade at all in the third, fourth or fifth rounds, he’ll find himself in worlds of pressure for the first time.

Co-Main Event: Li Jingliang vs Tony Ferguson

Li Jingliang

Key Stats: 8 KO/TKO wins (tied 2nd all-time among WW), 10 knockdowns landed (tied 3rd all-time among WW), 1.27 takedowns per 15 minutes

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What It Means: “The Leech” is a well-rounded, all-action type of fighter who brings a great spirit and pace to a contest. He’s sharp on the feet with good power in both hands, and his attack is almost always well-balanced. Li can mix things up and secure a takedown or two to keep opponents honest, and he’s not opposed to grinding away some time controlling his foe along the fence. On the feet, he has quick kicks which he blasts to the body and legs, and he'll string together a couple punches before sitting down on a knockout shot.

Tony Ferguson

Key Stats: 3.9 strikes landed per minute, 2.41 strikes absorbed per minute, 55% striking defense

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What It Means: Holland is a long, lanky striker who tends to thrive in methodical, technical striking affairs. When he is on his game, he makes strong use of his reach and long legs with straight punches and low kicks. At welterweight, his frame is even more menacing, and he still carries the power he showed in various contests at 185. He does a decent job of keeping his distance and maintaining safety when he’s not engaging in the pocket.

Daniel Rodriguez

Key Stats: 5.61 strikes landed per minute (4th all-time among WBW), 61% significant strike defense (4th all-time among WBW), 84.4% takedown defense (3rd all-time among WBW)

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What It Means: Aldana is a powerful, smooth striker who leans toward a boxing base. Her left hook is particularly powerful, and she is slick about using it moving forward and backward. Aldana is also particularly difficult to take down due to her strength and good technique. She is good about digging underhooks when pressed up against the fence and getting back to peppering her opponent with shots. She keeps a high work rate while not putting herself in a ton of danger on the feet.

Macy Chiasson

Key Stats: 40.4% control time percentage (6th all-time among WBW), +2.16 striking differential (2nd all-time among WBW), 2.1 strikes absorbed per minute (2nd all-time among WBW

What It Means: Chiasson is a constantly improving fighter, and despite her lanky frame, she is one who likes to make fights grimy and grinding affairs. She has a good clinch and wrestles along the fence well. If her opponent gets back to their feet, she’ll strike with them while mixing up her targets well before initiating another grappling exchange. Chiasson keeps a high pace and has good footwork that allows her to cut off the cage and keep her opponent against the fence.

RELATED: Chiasson Grew Up Under The Brightest Lights | View Chiasson's Athlete Profile 

What to Look For in the Fight: Chiasson is one to come out with heavy pressure right away, and although her striking is good, her best path to victory is to grapple with Aldana and take away the knockout threat the Mexican possesses. Aldana has great defensive grappling, so Chiasson might have to work through some fire, but she can outhustle her in some exchanges as well along the fence. On the feet, Aldana’s jab and left hook are her best weapons to keep Chiasson at bay, as well as make her pay for coming in recklessly.