UFC 141: Nate Diaz Is a Smart Bet Against Donald Cerrone

Donald Cerrone has won six fights in a row, but thanks to some lopsided Vegas odds, you would be smart to put your money on Nate Diaz at UFC 141.

Diaz is a 2-1 underdog tonight according to the odds makers in Las Vegas. And while I love Cerrone, there's no way he should be that heavily favored.

Cerrone is a better striker and probably has the better ground game as well. Still, Diaz is far too dangerous to be considered such a massive underdog.

Like his older brother, the 26-year-old Diaz is an absolute firecracker in the ring. He disrupts his opponents with flurries of punches, throwing strikes with volume, accuracy and power.

He also has a three inch reach advantage against Cerrone. Diaz uses his long arms well, keeping opponents at bay and frustrating them with precision hits to the face.

Diaz lost his first two fights of 2011, but he got back on track by dominating Takanori Gomi in September. He showed major improvements in his boxing ability, landing brutal punches throughout the fight.

He was also efficient on the ground, beautifully transitioning from a triangle lock to an armbar. He eventually won by submission late in the first round.

Cerrone is streaking and has a chance to win all five of his fights in 2011. He would become just the second fighter ever to accomplish such a feat in the UFC.

Cerrone is obviously a talented and mature fighter. You don't beat the type of guys he's faced by being weak. However, he doesn't have a clear advantage over Diaz in any aspect.

This fight could go either way. Make the smart move and put your money on Diaz.