Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz UFC 279 Betting: Chimaev Heavily Favored in Main Event

MMA fans are just over 24 away from the UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view event, UFC 279. The event takes place at none other than the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada on Saturday, Sept. 10.

As usual, the UFC has put together a terrific card headlined by a welterweight main event bout between the No.3-ranked Khamzat Chimaev (11-0) and former UFC Lightweight Championship challenger Nate Diaz (20-13).

On one hand, Chimaev is coming quite close to finally challenging for the welterweight gold. On other the other, Diaz will do everything in his power to show that he still has ‘it’ even at the age of 37.

Here is a look at the latest Chimaev vs. Diaz odds from various sportsbooks before the duo clash this weekend.

UFC 279: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz Fight Odds (as of Friday, September 9)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Khamzat Chimaev -1100
• Nate Diaz +680

Bovada Sportsbook

• Khamzat Chimaev -1000
• Nate Diaz +650

BetUS

• Khamzat Chimaev -1115
• Nate Diaz +750

BetMGM

• Khamzat Chimaev -1000
• Nate Diaz +650

Chimaev Heavily Favored in UFC 279 Main Event

A quick glance at the above odds highlights that Chimaev is the unanimous favorite to defeat Diaz. Chimaev’s shortest odds sit at -1115 on BetUS, which equates to 91.8%.

Nevertheless, Chimaev’s a perfect 11-0 in his career and deserves the reputation that he’s built. He’s fought a total of five times since joining the UFC, earning ‘Performance of the Night’ honors in four of those bouts while being awarded ‘Fight of the Night’ after a unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273.

Chimaev has built up his record by defeating the likes of Burns, Li Jingliang and Gerald Meerschaert, so defeating Burns would add another notable name to that collection.

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Fortunately for the Swedish fighter, Diaz has been struggling lately.

The UFC veteran is back in another slump, having lost three of his last four fights. He’s lost to both Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards in back-to-back outings, leaving him desperate for a UFC 279 win.

Breaking out of that slump will be easier said than done for Diaz. Chimaev is fighting on another level right now and it’s going to take the 37-year-old turning back the clock if he hopes to win. With how much Diaz has struggled lately, he’s going to need the effort of a lifetime to even come close to being a threat.

UFC 279 Betting Markets & Trends for Chimaev vs. Diaz

Aside from the usual moneyline markets, BetOnline also offers more in-depth options for bettors looking to get in on the Chimaev vs. Diaz action at UFC 279.

BetOnline lists Chimaev winning by KO/TKO at -135 odds as the most likely method of victory. The undefeated fighter has won six of his 11 career victories by knockout, including in two of his last four fights.

On the other hand, Diaz’s top method is also KO/TKO at +1300. Unfortunately for him, he’s only won five fights by knockout. Besides, there’s also the fact that Chimaev has never been KO’d in his career.

BetOnline expects that the fight won’t need to go to the judges’ table, favoring that it won’t go the distance at -800 odds.

As far as method and combo betting go, Chimaev is favored to win by KO/TKO in Round 1 at +280. Of his 11 career fights, seven of them have finished inside of the first round.

Chimaev vs. Diaz Fight Prediction

It doesn’t take a lot to like Chimaev more heading into the UFC 279 main event. He’s undefeated for a reason and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. With Diaz looking like a shell of his former self, I expect Chimaev to pick up the victory.

As for the best bet, Chimaev winning by KO/TKO at -135 on BetOnline is certainly playable. If you’re looking for a bit more value, I also recommend him winning by knockout in the first round at +280.

UFC 279 Event Details

When is UFC 279?

UFC 279 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

Where is UFC 279?

UFC 279 will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

What time does UFC 279 start?

• UFC 279 Early Prelims Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
• UFC 279 Prelims Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC 279’s Main Card: 10 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC 279?

The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass, while the prelims will be available on both ESPNEWS and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).