UFC on FOX: Key Fight Statistics

Henderson vs. Diaz 

FC on FOX betting has Ben Henderson as the 1.690* favourite to defend his lightweight title against Nate Diaz 2.310* on December 8^th at KeyArena, Washington. To increase your chances of winning on Henderson vs. Diaz betting, read the key fight statistics.

Diaz Holds Reach Advantage

Challenger Nate Diaz will enter the octagon as the 2.310* underdog despite winning his last three bouts and holding a 6″ reach advantage over Henderson.

Interestingly, Diaz has a 50% win ratio as an underdog throughout his last 17 MMA bouts – winning and losing two fights each.

The 27-year-old southpaw boasts a 16-7-0 record, and stands at 6’0″ and 155lbs. His strengths are his boxing skills, jiu jitsu and a never-say-die attitude.

Lightweight champion Ben Henderson is the 1.690* favourite and has won his last five bouts. Henderson’s record reads an impressive 16-2-0, while the 29-year-old has won four of his last five fights as a favourite.

Henderson will be making his second defence of the title after fighting Frankie Edgar in a mandatory re-match last time out.

Also a southpaw, the champion stands at 5’9″, 155lbs and has a reach of 70″, while his strengths are wrestling, submission, and ground and pound.

Striking – Punches Versus Kicks

Key to determining the victor will be the striking contest, as both men are sublime strikers.

Henderson’s striking is taekwondo-based, and will use unorthodox kicks, knees, punches and elbows. Diaz is a traditional boxer and has been known to spar with super middleweight champion Andre Ward.

Diaz will relentlessly apply pressure on Henderson, as he throws a large number of strategic, accurate punches in each fight. Looking at the two fighters striking stats, it shows 41% of Diaz’s attacks are through striking (Henderson averages just 22%).

Diaz lands an impressive 3.87 strikes per minute with 43% accuracy, compared to the champion’s 2.62 strikes per minute with 41% accuracy.

Defensively Henderson holds the advantage, however, absorbing just 1.59 strikes per minute, while avoiding 63% of his opponent’s attacks. Diaz receives more strikes (2.38 per minute) and has a lower defence (60%) success, however this is due to his more aggressive approach.

Wrestling – Henderson Should Dominate

The wrestling advantage is with Henderson, and is an area where Diaz has struggled in the past.

Henderson holds a big advantage in takedowns, with 51% of his attacks coming by way of takedown. The champion averages 2.96 takedowns every 15 minutes, with an accuracy of 48% and an impressive 62% defence.

Diaz’s takedown attempt ratio makes up just 17% of his attacks – 1.13 takedowns every15 minutes – with an accuracy of 28%. He is slightly better defensively as he rebuffs just less than half of his opponent’s takedown attempts.

Grappling – Diaz Edges It

When it comes to fighting on the mat both men are well-rounded submission artists.

Henderson has eight submission wins, while Diaz has 11 and has won two of his last three fights with submissions. Henderson’s submission attempts only make up 27% of his attacks however, while Diaz attempts 42% of his attacks through submissions.

Conditioning – Diaz Yet to Compete in Championship Rounds

Henderson is a brute with strong legs and hands, while Diaz relies on his explosive hand speed.

As this is a championship bout, it is worth noting that Diaz has never been past the third round in his career, so if the bout goes to the championship rounds he will be in unchartered territory.

In comparison, Henderson has now fought back-to-back twenty-five minute fights and has gone the championship distance four times in his career.

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