The main event at UFC 279 on Saturday pits one of the legends of the sport against one of the best mixed martial artists in the world. Few fighters deserve as much respect as Nate Diaz. Diaz is an active legend. Nate faces one of the best pound-for-pound MMA fighters on the planet in Khamzat Chimaev. Will Diaz pull a magic trick and get the win? Or will Chimaev show why oddsmaker have installed him an over -1000 chalk? Keep reading for MMA odds, analysis, and free picks for main card bouts at UFC 279.

UFC 279 Event Info

Presenting your official #UFC279 Artist Series poster! ????

[ @DavidRomanArt ????‍???? | Grab the design on @UFCStore ] pic.twitter.com/ybhtiT553t

— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2022

• When: Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 pm ET
• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
• TV: PPV
• Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

UFC 279 Main Card Odds

UFC 279 Main Card Preview

Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba

Favored Ion Cutelaba is an excellent fighter. Cutelaba has a 16-7-1 record. He’s gone 12-2 in technical knockout and knockout wins. Cutelaba even has a strong ground game.

Underdog Johnny Walker has an 18-7 record. Walker has lost 4-of-5. But before writing off the dog, it’s important to note that Walker is 5 inches taller and has a 7-inch reach advantage. Also, Cutelaba has lost 3-of-5 with a draw. Walker is worth a look.

UFC 279 Pick: Johnny Walker

Irene Aldana vs. Macy Chiasson

Aldana versus Chiasson should be a great bout. The underdog in this is 7-2 via TKO or KO wins, 3-0 via submission wins, and has won 3-of-4. Irene’s only loss in her last 4 happened against Holly Holm via unanimous decision in a 2020 bout. No doubt, Aldana has what it takes to win this.

Macy Chiasson has a couple of physical advantages. She’s 2 inches taller and has a 3.5 inches reach advantage. Like Aldana, Chiasson has won 3-of-4. Not only that, but Chiasson’s wins are more recent than Aldana’s. The more active fighter gets the nod.

UFC 279 Pick: Macy Chiasson

Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Underdog Daniel Rodriguez will bring an excellent 16-2 record into the Octagon. Rodriguez has won 3 straight since a 2020 loss to Nicolas Dalby. On Saturday, Rodriguez fights the best MMA brawler he’s gone against since losing to Dalby.

Kevin Holland has a 23-7 record. But although Holland has more losses, he’s on a 2-match winning streak. Also, Kevin is 11-0 via TKO or KO wins and 8-2 via submission victories. In addition, Holland is 2 inches taller and has a 7-inch reach advantage. The chalk ends the underdog’s win streak.

UFC 279 Pick: Kevin Holland

Li Jingliang vs. Tony Ferguson

A couple of well known mixed martial artists throw down in the co-main event on Saturday night when Li Jingliang takes on former welterweight champ Tony Ferguson. Ferguson hasn’t had great moments since he held the strap, which is why he’s the +240 underdog.

Tony is on a 4-match losing streak. Now 38, a loss to Jingliang might be the end of Ferguson’s career. Unfortunately for Tony, Li has the advantages. Ferguson has a longer reach, but Jingliang heads into this after knocking out Muslim Salikhov in his last.

At the time, UFC Fight Night on July 16 this year, many considered Salikhov one of the top contenders for the welterweight title. Jingliang is now the up-and-coming welterweight. He should have no trouble handling Ferguson.

UFC 279 Pick: Li Jingliang

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz

It’s always tough to go against Nate Diaz. The 21-13 fighter is as legit as it gets. To put how fantastic Diaz’s career has been, consider he’s lost 13 bouts, but he’s 4-2 via TKO or KO and 13-1 via submissions.

10 of Nate’s 13 losses have come via decision. That’s how incredible he’s been over the years. But with that being written, Diaz doesn’t have much shot versus Chimaev. Khamzat is 11-0 for a reason. The chalk wins the main event.

UFC 279 Pick: Khamzat Chimaev

Where to Bet on MMA with Crypto

MMA odds are available all year long here at Nitrobetting. Create a Nitrobetting account now to place your stakes on any of the elite fighters that face off this weekend.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more MMA previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest MMA betting odds on our crypto sportsbook.

READ MORE: Olivera vs. Makhachev UFC 280 Odds and Preview