UFC 155: Nate Diaz vs Ben Henderson. A Stylistic Contrast of Character & Characters.

Its UFC night and Nate Diaz is bringing his high caliber trash talk, vulgarity and 209 hand symbols. More suitable for the mean streets of Los Angeles and gang turf warfare perhaps, but try telling this Stockton, California raised Latino that. "One and the same you %$&%" is what he'd probably tell you.  Mere Semantics, a  fights a fight regardless of where it takes place in Diaz's eyes.

While his opponent Ben Henderson has other plans. He'll look to make his best "300" impersonation as he looks to kick Diaz in the face, pay homage to his korean and taekwondo roots, while battlecrying "this is Octagon!" as Diaz flies into the stands, limp body and lifeless.

Well this isnt a movie or gangwarfare. It's the UFC's world renowned Octagon, less ridiculous hilarity than cinema and in direct contrast to the refereeless bullet riddled battlefields of gang warfare.

This is a UFC Lightweight Championship match, much tougher prospect than both in some peoples eyes, where discipline,talent and faith transcend the prior options. As we prepare for a serious throwdown between Nate Diaz  and Ben Henderson, one thing is certain, this isnt going to be easy for either fighter.

It will be a fight where Nate Diaz looks to exploit his intense gameness, reach advantage, Diaz Brotherz style "gauge & strike" boxing, top level Gracie family taught BJJ game. If there are any chinks in Ben Henderson's armour it would have to be his rudimentary boxing skills and Diaz's superior ground game.

Diaz has been on a tear, beating the likes of Takanori Gomi, Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller in his last three fights.

Ben didnt look good against Frankie in their last outing.  

Considering Ben had a significant size advantage, one he wont have against Diaz, as Diaz stands 2 inches taller at 6'1. Diaz wants the same Bendo to show up Saturday night. The reality is both fighters should show up with their A game.

"Smooth's" key to victory are his leg kicks, athleticism, quickness, versatility and...faith? If faith can be counted as a weapon in the arsenal. God's warrior looks to remain spiritually serene. If he maintains professional in his approach and doesn't allow Diaz to rattle him as he does with almost all his opponents by throwing them off their game ie the way he completly threw Cerrone off his.  

He should employ a similar style Condit used against his older brother, and mix his attack by cleverly counter striking off the back pedal.

As cliche as it sounds, whoever can employ his strategy or will on the other will prevail.  If the way "Smooth" responded to Diaz's trash talk is any sign, "God Bless You Nate Diaz" lol. then we'll be in for a great night of focused fighters.