UFC's Nick Diaz vs. Nate Diaz Fantasy Fight Breakdown

Have you ever wondered what would happen if two of the best fighters in the UFC collided?

Better yet, have you ever wondered how two brothers would fare against one another in a monumental Octagon showdown?

Look no further.  Well, nothing further than a hypothetical fight, that is.

Nick and Nate Diaz are top-notch fighters within their respective weight classes—one being on the verge of competing for the interim welterweight title, and the other just a few fights away from his own championship opportunity at UFC 155.

But, as much as we would love to see two brothers with the fierce personalities of the Diaz brothers hash out any old childhood arguments inside the cage, the reality of the two Californians agreeing to KO their own blood seems nearly impossible.

That's why we have this wonderful site called Bleacher Report.

Here is a quick breakdown of a fantasy fight between two of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the game today. 

Diaz haters beware.  UFC fans enjoy.

Pre-Fight Smack Talk

Both Nick and Nate Diaz believe that the fight starts when two fighters sign the dotted line.

Once that contract is binding, there's no mutual friendship at all.  No matter who it is.

In this case, that would include cutting off all communication with your brother and arguably your best training partner.

As tough as it may be to throw your own brother under the media bus, both Diaz brothers have served as excellent trash talkers in the past, getting under the skin of even the toughest UFC fighters around.

There's no way they'd back off now.  The childhood stories that would be used to talk smack would be beyond entertaining.

Little brother versus big brother.  Big brother versus little brother.  No holds barred.  May the best Diaz win.

Chin

When two fighters have similar arsenals and elite MMA skills, a good chin sometimes separates the winners from the losers.

Well, considering the Diaz brothers have similar fighting styles and both bring top-level striking, their chins could decide the outcome of this historic fight.

At first look, Nate Diaz has showcased a better chin that brother Nick.  Nate has battled hard against top strikers in the lightweight division, such as world-class kick boxer Donald Cerrone, a young Rory MacDonald, Clay Guida, Marcus Davis and Gray Maynard.

Win or lose, Nate has proved that taking a punch is very much part of his MMA repertoire.

But, don't get me wrong.  Nick Diaz has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of BJ Penn, Paul Daley, KJ Noons, Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez. 

But, brother Nate has looked more Chris Leben-esque than his older counterpart.

Both guys will take a beating, but it's going to be harder to cut Nate's lights off.

Endurance

While Nate Diaz has proven time after time that he can go balls to the wall from bell to bell, brother Nick is simply too skilled and too prepared in the endurance department.

The guy literally dedicates entire days to running, swimming, biking and then training, taking every ounce of will he has and instilling longevity and cardio strength.

Nick has become the cornerstone for endurance preparation.  His previously mentioned triathlon-like training has become infamous, making him a near lock to bang with any fighter for any amount of time.

On the other hand, Nate is no slouch in the cardio department.  He has showcased some of the best athleticism and an unmatched elite pace within the lightweight division.

However, older brother Nick has taught younger brother Nate nearly everything he knows when it comes to getting in shape. 

And for that, Nick is the guy to beat.

Striking

This is probably the toughest part of the fight to depict.

Both Diaz brothers arguably rank among the top five strikers in their respective divisions, especially when you consider Nick recently dismantled BJ Penn, and Nate recently manhandled Donald Cerrone.

Each guy has shown that throwing punches at 70 percent is more than okay; it's strategic. 

Nate has done this the best.  He has showcased that picking apart an opponent is often more useful than slinging power punch after power punch.  His near-240 landed strikes in his victory over Cerrone allowed people to recognize Nate for exactly what he is: one of the purest strikers in the UFC. 

One that can use punches in bunches to knock even the best strikers off their game.  He has easily become one of the most successful and accurate fighters in the world.

However, Nick has done his fair share of punching in the past.  He out-struck Penn, Paul Daley and an aging Frank Shamrock.

But by basing this decision strictly on accuracy and the ability to land strikes for three straight rounds, Nate takes the cake.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

I'm not even going to try and settle this argument regarding who has better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills.

Even though Nick Diaz introduced his brother Nate to the world of BJJ, both fighters are nearly identical when it comes to overall skills and the ability to finish fights via submission.

Nick has eight submission victories on his resume and has never been tapped in his career.

Nate has only been submitted once while securing 10 wins via submission.

So, to say that neither of these guys possesses world-class BJJ skills may be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.  And while nobody is making that claim, it's still important to understand how good these guys really are. 

Truthfully, I don't see this fight going to the ground.  Each brother is well versed and well prepared to attack and defend in the grappling game. 

They'd probably prefer to stand and bang in order to settle this family dispute.

Heart

The Diaz brothers have become two of the biggest fight-time gamers in the UFC today. 

Their slick striking, world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, top-notch endurance and rock-solid chins are all well and good, but heart has always been the main contributor in their victories over the years.

From round to round, Nick and Nate Diaz have become some of the toughest outs in MMA. 

Both guys have been hit hard during bouts with top contenders.  Both guys have weathered all sorts of storms to secure significant career wins.  Both guys have never backed down from a fight, in the cage or out, and have never displayed weaknesses, win or lose.

This time, heart won't play a major role in deciding who wins this fight.  Because when two guys enter the Octagon with equal wills and dynamic drives, sheer skill will always prevail.

Fight Verdict

There are many aspects to consider before making a serious prediction for this fantasy fight.

While Nick Diaz has size and power over his younger brother, Nate seemingly has a more well-rounded striking approach and the ability to sling punches with on-point accuracy.

But as much as you would like to take your chances on the better striker, Nick has become one of the best game-planners around, adapting to any situation inside the cage and always finding a way to win.

Each fighter has the ability to end the fight via submission at any point.  But when you're matching up the skills of one Diaz versus another Diaz, those skills cancel each other out.

So, what's next?  Is Nick's endurance the deciding factor, or does Nate's chin give him the advantage?

It's close. 

Both fighters possess equal skills in every department, but considering this fantasy fight would incorporate a big-brother-versus-little-brother showdown, you have to go with the older Diaz.

Not for nothing, but Nick has taught Nate literally everything he knows.  It'd be close, but Nick's experience would overshadow Nate's determination.

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