UFC 135 Fight Card: What Takanori Gomi Must Do to Defeat Nate Diaz

UFC 135 is one of the most anticipated cards of the year because UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will be defending his title against challenger Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

However, the card also has some very intriguing matchups such as Takanori Gomi vs. Nate Diaz.

Gomi vs. Diaz is an exciting match because their skill sets are very different.

Diaz throws many punches and combinations and has excellent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which usually wards off people from taking him down.

How can Gomi beat such a competitor?

One of Gomi's biggest strengths is his punching power; he has strong hands for a lightweight. A striking match with Diaz may not be ideal, but he is definitely able to rock Diaz and follow up with more strikes en route to a (T)KO victory.

Gomi can choose to grapple with Diaz but it likely won't end well. Gomi may be more credentialed, but he's been submitted by grapplers of roughly the same caliber as Diaz in Kenny Florian and Clay Guida, so avoiding the ground would be a good idea.

Gomi can attempt to use his wrestling to grind out Diaz against the cage, but that may not be the best idea since Diaz could attempt a guillotine or even pull guard.

It's best for Gomi to just keep the fight where he has the most chance of winning: On the feet, away from the numerous and dangerous submissions of Diaz.

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