UFC on Fox 3: The Keys to Victory for Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz will have the opportunity to finally step out of the shadow cast by his older brother tonight against Jim Miller in the main event of UFC on Fox 3.

Diaz, who displays the same personality traits that have made his older brother so popular, finally gets the chance to prove he can be among the world's best as well. It won't be easy, as Miller is one of the best in the lightweight division.

The Cesar Gracie product will need to focus on a few key areas in order to use his strengths and prevent Miller from exploiting his weaknesses.

Use His Length

One glance at Nate Diaz and you could immediately guess what one of his advantages would be at 155 pounds. Not only standing tall above the competition, Diaz also has some of the longest limbs in the lightweight division.

Using these limbs will be key for Diaz against Jim Miller. Diaz will need a stiff jab and be able to utilize his kicks to keep Miller at bay and force Miller to reset his offense.

We've seen in the past where Diaz hasn't been able to use his reach correctly, but hopefully he and his camp have worked on this given it's perhaps his best advantage at 155 pounds.

Footwork

Notice something about this picture? Besides the fact that Nate Diaz is about to land a solid left hand, look at where he is. He's controlling the Octagon and has forced Takanori Gomi towards the cage.

Footwork will be a paramount concern for Diaz against Jim Miller. He must keep his back away from the cage and use space to fully capitalize on his height. If Miller can force Diaz against the cage, not only can Miller use "wall and stall" tactics, but he can also negate the length advantage of Diaz.

Diaz doesn't want Miller securing takedowns or holding him against the fence, so he must use his footwork to circle away from the cage and control the center of the Octagon.

Stay Focused on the Goal

The Diaz brothers don't shy away from a little taunting to attempt to get their opponents out of their game. Nate Diaz will certainly let you know that you're "No. 1" if given the opportunity.

For Diaz, he will need to remain focused on his game plan against Jim Miller.

Miller is as tenacious as they come and won't simply stand there as Diaz taunts him. A title shot awaits Diaz should he emerge victorious, and I'd hate to see that opportunity slip by simply because he wanted to taunt Miller instead of focusing on looking for a finish.

Sweeps and Movement over Submissions

Nate Diaz has a great jiu-jitsu game; I don't believe anyone is going to question his grappling skills. The problem is Jim Miller has a pretty good ground game, too.

Miller will likely at least secure one takedown and force Diaz to fight off his back. Diaz will then have to ignore his natural instinct to look for a submission. It's not that I don't think Diaz can't submit Miller, but he's not going to win a decision while fighting off his back.

Using his hips to create space in order to stand up or utilizing a sweep to end up on top is what Diaz should be focusing on. The last thing he wants is for Miller to grind out a decision victory simply based on takedowns and Miller being on top of him.

Keeping his back off the mat will ensure Diaz the best opportunity to pull out a victory.