UFC on FOX 3: Diaz vs. Miller LowKick.com Staff Predictions
Posted on May 4, 2012, 05:35 AM by Anton Gurevich
Anton Gurevich: It’s a tough fight to pick, but stylistically, I think Jim Miller has an advantage in this one. Diaz is a good match-up for Miller in terms of wrestling, and in my personal opinion, Jim Miller is more aggressive with his ground and pound. But if Diaz is successful in his goal to turn this fight into a stand-up battle, this fight will go his way from start to finish. It will be an exciting battle, since both fighters have the skillset to get the “W”. I’ll go with Miller via Decision.
Mike Drahota: The main event from New Jersey is an interesting bout to say the least. Nate Diaz has looked great in his two recent bouts at Lightweight, but I think Jim Miller is a step up in competition for him. Diaz no doubt has some great boxing and submission skills, but wrestling may be his kryptonite here. Miller's gritty style should be enough to keep Diaz neutralized for the most part, and I don't see him getting submitted or knocked out. It may not be enough for a title shot yet, but Miller is the real deal. I see Jim Miller winning a unanimous decision here.
Evan Holober: Jim Miller is a wrestler. The Diaz brothers have trouble with wrestlers that possess good takedown defense. Jim Miller is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Just following that train of thought makes Jim the favorite in this fight. His striking is not up to Diaz's skill set. His speed is good, but not great. His power is decent. But the D-1 wrestling background should put him in the driver seat once the action commences Saturday night. He'll have to make it ugly, and game-planning will play a big part in how he approaches this fight over five rounds. If Miller comes in with the mindset of "win" over "entertainment", he should take home the victory. If he doesn't Nate will pick him apart everywhere. Miller by split-decision.
Bryan Fontez: Diaz has been on a tear as of late and has been showing some serious signs of improvement and brilliance. By out-striking Donald Cerrone on the feet, and quickly finishing Takanori Gomi, he's moving into top 5 territory with some legitimate momentum. Jim Miller on the other hand should never be taken lightly. He's recently finished Melvin Guillard and is always dangerous. Both fighters are nearly un-finishable and have gone the distance with the divisions very best. With that said, I see this as a pick'em or a coin flip. But I think Miller will use his wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu defense, to stay in control and stay out of any dangerous positions. Miller via Unanimous Decision.
Comments
I can't deny miller has great shot here but the Diaz brothers having trouble with wrestlers is not exactly true. Nate has a bit more trouble than nick but, its more a lack of jiujitsu understanding the judges have. Both diaz brothers don't mind going to the ground because that's where they have serious skills. I think we may get surprised how much Japanese wrestling the Diaz brothers have learned (judo and Russian sambo). These guys may never win a Pulitzer but they know fighting and I bet the Diaz brothers are constantly filling holes in their games.
Miller is tough and has a 50/50 shot at this. But counting Diaz out is never a good idea.
LIke your positive approach and good insight.
Only thing I would disagree on is I would say they do have problems with wrestlers - both of the brother's have a big percentage of losses due to wrestlers or grapplers being able to hold them down.
They are great grapplers themselves but I feelt hey lack the athleticism to be great wrestlers, something that requires a good deal of explosive power (normally). Nick even said in a interview he doesn't train explosive power.
I actually feel Miller will make Diaz look bad in R1 an R2 but then in 3, 4 and 5 I think it will mentally switch over to Diaz. I am not sure who will win but I feel Diaz will pull it off by looking better later.
Wow a unanimous vote for Miller by the staff, very surprised.
I'm going for Miller by dec. but in a close fight.
Only reason I'm really going with him is basically because of history, Miller proving to be a good wrestler and Diaz showing holes in that area. Would totally not be surprised if Diaz wins though.
Either way, this is an amazing fight, both guys always make it exciting:
- Never back down and are always coming forward.
- Fight to the end, won't give up until the final bell.
- Both are EXTREMELY hard to finish, neither has been stopped in the UFC.
- Diaz has advantage in striking but both are very good strikers (Miller dropped Bendo).
- Extremely legit and well rounded BJJ blackbelts, can submit you from any position, both have submitted other high level grapplers and they have outstanding submission defense.
I got Miller by decision too.
theres no denying that Miller is a tough guy. There's a ton of tough guys in the 55 division but Nates stand up has came a long way and has looked great his last two fights. Hes developing by leaps and bounds, resembling Nick more and more. I think if Nate comes out and pushes the pace like he knows how that he has a good possibility of taking some of the gas out of Millers tank, a lot like he did with Cerrone. Miller has tons of grit and heart though. I'm going to go against the majority and take Diaz but I have a feeling that it will probably go the distance as well.
"The Diaz brothers have trouble with wrestlers that possess good takedown defense..."
That was a type by me. I mean ...with wrestlers that possess good submission defense...
And I have to add on. I don't think Miller is that good. Personally, I think he's quite overrated. I just think stylistically he matches up well with Nate.
Jim Miller is no Rory MacDonald on wrestling... No....Just NO...
Lowkick Staff... WTF. The Blind, Teaching The Blind.. All Picking Miller.
Well my prediction is Nate Diaz wins by total domination. Unanimous Decision. And I'll say I told you so tomorrow night.
Yes, but he does have comperable wrestling skills to Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson.
However, we will be much appreciative of your input tomorrow night.
Good picks Golden... Diaz is beast, i picked him also
I always think of Miller as that dream..where you are punching the guy as hard as you can and he just keeps coming after you.
I think Miller is very good at dictating where the fight takes place and if he does that, he wins.
Mind you, at almost 3 to 1, Diaz is a good bet as an underdog.
HAHAHAHA some staff you got there.
thats how much of a fag you are, miller just got choked out. WHAT??!!!
ha ha ha you all was dead wrong.... NOT EVEN CLOSE !
Just like I said... Total Domination people... Somehow I told you so, just doesn't cut it.... Yet I told you so..... War Nate Diaz... Best Of Luck to The Miller family.. I'm still a big fan of Jim Miller...
Nate Diaz > Ben Henderson
Diaz looked even better than he did against the Cowboy. Ttitle shot earned.
fvcking idiot predictions. what a joke.