Tonight, (Sat., July 6, 2024), live from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., we’ve got the combat sports rematch between long-time mixed martial arts (MMA) practitioners, Nate Diaz vs. Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Yes, it’s coming in the punching-only variety, but is anyone really all that upset that the two mostly standup fighters won’t have the option to go to the ground?
Fisticuffs it is!
Both fighters are known for their feisty and cantankerous outside-the-ring/cage behavior, and none of that has changed as the two, uh, “gentlemen” age and mature.
It all goes down this weekend @GamebredFighter & @NateDiaz209 will settle the score this Saturday!
Watch LIVE on @UFCFightPass PPV: https://t.co/WpRG2gjUhn pic.twitter.com/fCVsUsEH7v
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2024
To sweeten the pot, this card, which starts at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT, has a surprisingly decent undercard of names most boxing fans will recognize as well as some undefeated prospects. We’ve got former IBF and WBA Middleweight champion (and bone cancer survivor), Daniel Jacobs (37-4, 30 KO), squaring off against Shane Mosley Jr. (21-4, 12 KO) in the co-main event of the evening.
There’s also unbeaten prospects Sean Garcia (7-0-1, 2 KO) — younger brother of boxing’s current Icarus, Ryan Garcia — who will go against Amado Vargas (10-0, 4KO), the son of former IBF and WBA light Middleweight champion, Fernando Vargas.
Finally, to round out the main card, we’ve got the former WEC and UFC Lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis, going off against long-time Diaz stablemate, Chris Avila. Avila has done well for himself in the influencer boxing scene, racking up a five-fight win streak as the combat sports spoiler to the likes of Anthony Taylor and Paul Bamba, as well as taking down another former MMA competitor in Jeremy Stephens.
The fight card is available on Fanmio, UFC Fight Pass and DAZN (right here) in select countries for the reasonable price of $49.99.
Rapid with the #DiazMasvidal card.
Get the PPV ➡️ https://t.co/hnkCQpPZJF pic.twitter.com/FTEEg4mzsn
— Fanmio (@fanmio) July 5, 2024
DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL, LAST MAN STANDING QUICK RESULTS
175 lbs. Nate Diaz def. Jorge Masvidal — Majority decision (98-92, 97-93, 95-95)
168 lbs. Shane Mosley Jr. def. Daniel Jacobs — Unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91 x2
135 lbs. Amado Vargas def. Sean Garcia — TKO, Rd. 6, 0:46
175 lbs. Chris Avila def. Anthony Pettis — Unanimous decision (59-55 x2, 58-56)
130 lbs. Curmel Moton def. Nikolai Buzolin — TKO, Rd. 2, 1:39
135 lbs. Devin Cushing def. Manny Correa — Unanimous decision (80-72, 78-74, 77-75)
DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL, ‘LAST MAN STANDING’ LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY:
Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal
In the first round, Diaz is wearing white and black while Masvidal is in white with red and blue. Diaz begins with a flurry of strikes, but Masvidal surprises him by fighting in a southpaw stance and lands a left punch. Both fighters manage to connect with left punches. Masvidal follows up with a powerful right punch. Diaz continues to press forward, targeting both the body and head. As Masvidal finds himself cornered, Diaz unleashes a series of combinations. However, Masvidal manages to land a significant strike just as the bell rings.
10-9 Diaz
In the second round, Masvidal showcases his skill with a well-executed combination. He delivers short jabs while in the clinch, causing Diaz to retreat momentarily. However, Diaz manages to land a couple of hits before Masvidal swiftly responds with a flurry of body shots and expertly maneuvers back to the center of the ring. Masvidal follows up with a powerful right, targeting both the body and head. Diaz retaliates with a triple jab, but Masvidal counters with a check hook. Diaz attempts to weaken Masvidal’s body with slaps.
10-9 Masvidal
In the third round, Diaz applies pressure on Masvidal but gets caught with some solid shots. Masvidal lands a body shot followed by a left hook. Diaz retaliates with a left punch. Diaz focuses on attacking the body but leaves his chin exposed for Masvidal to counter. Both fighters exchange jabs. Diaz keeps up with his aggressive approach, maintaining a fast pace and landing his punches effectively.
10-9 Masvidal
In the fourth round, both fighters exchange quick right punches. Masvidal cleverly responds to a jab by throwing a powerful overhand. Jorge targets both Diaz’s body and head with his strikes. Undeterred, Diaz clenches his mouthpiece tightly and retaliates with a flurry of around twelve rapid punches. Diaz shows his strength in the latter part of the round.
10-9 Diaz
Protect yourself at all times#LastManStanding pic.twitter.com/A167SEJxq8
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 7, 2024
In the fifth round, Diaz retreats as Masvidal advances and manages to land some punches. Masvidal then switches to orthodox stance and successfully connects with a powerful right. Diaz retaliates with a few slaps, but Masvidal responds by targeting Diaz’s ribs and chin. However, Diaz quickly regains momentum by trapping Masvidal in a corner and landing a series of jabs. Undeterred, Masvidal fights back and successfully lands a solid left and right punch, which Nate Diaz acknowledges with a nod.
10-9 Masvidal
In the sixth round, Diaz aims for body shots while Masvidal delivers a left hook. Both fighters connect with left punches. Masvidal follows up with a straight right and shortly after, a shovel hook. Diaz tries to throw punches but mostly fails to land them. Masvidal manages to momentarily stagger Diaz with a counter left and delivers another powerful left punch.
10-9 Masvidal
Chin REALLY being tested#LastManStanding pic.twitter.com/h5mYJbGo53
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 7, 2024
In the seventh round, Masvidal strategically retreats and allows Diaz to throw arm punches, but the majority of them are effectively blocked by Masvidal’s guard. Taking advantage of Diaz’s vulnerability, Masvidal lands some powerful single shots. Masvidal targets Diaz’s body with left hooks before following up with shots to the head. Diaz manages to execute a nice 1-2 combination.
10-9 Masvidal
Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal #DiazMasvidal #MasvidalDiaz pic.twitter.com/Fa9zdDETLo
— ZombieProphet (@ComixDepartment) July 7, 2024
In the eighth round, Diaz comes in with more aggression, landing a higher number of strikes compared to their previous encounter. He delivers a series of rights and a left. Masvidal stands his ground and retaliates with a solid combination. Masvidal impressively connects with a combo targeting both the body and head, while Diaz counters with two shots. Diaz manages to land two jabs and a left hook. Masvidal responds with three quick hooks.
10-9 Masvidal
In the 9th round, Diaz continues to maintain a high pace and manages to defend against some shots without using his head. He launches a lengthy combination, landing a few punches, but also receives a strong counter in return. Both fighters exchange solid right punches. Diaz keeps on delivering strikes relentlessly, while both fighters connect with right punches.
10-9 Diaz
In the tenth round, Diaz manages to throw 12 punches before Masvidal can connect with two. Diaz is having a decent round, landing some punches effectively. The Cuban-American lands a right hand, while Diaz continues to maintain a higher volume of punches compared to Masvidal, whose output is decreasing. However, Masvidal manages to deliver a nice right punch. Diaz counters with a straight left, and Masvidal ends the round with a short right punch just as Diaz unloads at least 20 punches.
10-9 Diaz
Final result: Nate Diaz defeats Jorge Masvidal by decision
Daniel Jacobs vs. Shane Mosley Jr.:
In the first round, Jacobs wears blue while Mosley dons white attire. Mosley takes the initiative and pushes Jacobs towards the edge of the canvas. The beginning consists mainly of jabs without any significant impact. However, Mosley manages to land a right hook. In response, Jacobs counters with a right of his own, but it fails to connect effectively. Jacobs then follows up with a left and a right punch.
10-9 Mosley
In the second round, Mosley throws a jab and Jacobs counters with a right hand. Jacobs follows up with an uppercut, while Mosley lands a solid left hand. Mosley continues to use his longer reach, popping the jab effectively. However, Jacobs pivots and lands a powerful right hand.
10-9 Jacobs
In the third round, Mosley manages to corner Jacobs and delivers a powerful combination of four punches. However, Jacobs swiftly counters with a strong right hook. Mosley responds with a body-head combo, while Jacobs lands a solid right just as the bell rings.
10-9 Mosley
In the fourth round, Mosley successfully connects a powerful right hand. The pace of the round has been relatively slow. Mosley also targets the body with his punches. Towards the end of the round, Jacobs manages to land a few jabs and a well-timed right just before the bell.
10-9 Mosley
In the fifth round, Mosley lands a strong right hook and follows it up with another right. Jacobs retaliates with a left hook, while Mosley targets the left side of Jacob’s trunk.
10-9 Mosley
In the sixth round, Mosley successfully lands a jab and follows it up with a right hook shortly after. He manages to deliver two solid jabs, along with another right hook. Mosley skillfully twirls his right hand before striking Jacobs on the skull. Jacobs retaliates with a left hand that finds its mark.
In the seventh round, Mosley throws a left, followed by a right, and another right… However, Jacobs manages to land a left hook. The pace of the round is quite sluggish. Mosley then throws a combination of punches, consisting of a jab, a cross, and another jab.
10-9 Mosley
In the eighth round, Mosley successfully pushes Jacobs backward and connects with a powerful right punch. He repeats this combination again after ten seconds. Mosley takes the lead with a score of 1-2. Unfortunately, Jacobs receives a headbutt directly on the side of his eye, resulting in a severe bleeding. The doctor attends to his injury, and the match resumes. Mosley follows up with a left punch and a right to the body, scoring 2-3 in total.
10-9 Mosley
In the ninth round, Jacobs is struggling to connect with any significant punches. Mosley, on the other hand, is managing to land a few more hits than his older opponent. Both fighters seem hesitant to go all out, and the crowd has lost interest, eagerly anticipating the main event.
10-9 Mosley
In the tenth round, Mosley lands a solid right punch, followed by an uppercut from Jacobs. Both fighters exchange rights. Mosley then throws a jab, which is countered by Jacobs with a right punch.
10-9 Jacobs
Final result: Shane Mosley Jr. defeats Daniel Jacobs by decision
Chris Avila vs. Anthony Pettis
In the first round, Pettis is dressed in black while Avila sports a gray camo attire. Pettis starts off strong with a solid counter right, followed by a wide hook. Avila manages to land a right punch along with a couple of jabs. Both fighters exchange left punches, with Pettis delivering a second left.
10-9 Pettis
In the second round, Anthony is demonstrating great footwork and effectively maintaining the desired distance. His lunging left hook has been successful thus far, and he manages to land it once again. Both fighters exchange powerful right hands, followed by jabs from both sides. Avila lands a nice left punch that momentarily stuns Pettis.
10-9 Pettis in a close round
In the third round, Pettis throws an overhand right and Avila responds with a quick left. Pettis lands a powerful right punch, while Avila counters with a strong right as well. Pettis retaliates with an uppercut, but only glances Avila with a left. Avila strikes back with a right, which prompts Pettis to deliver a body shot. Avila increases his punching frequency. Lastly, Pettis finishes with a well-executed right punch.
10-9 Pettis in another close round
In the fourth round, the two Seans in the booth are favoring Avila in this fight. Avila lands a solid hit. However, Pettis manages to retaliate with a strike of his own. It seems that Pettis is losing his momentum while Avila continues to land accurate shots. Another hit from Pettis.
10-9 Avila
In the fifth round, Avila delivers a powerful overhand strike, followed by a quick counter from Pettis. Both fighters briefly rest on their right hand. Avila targets Pettis’ body with a punch. He then throws a left punch, although it doesn’t have much impact. Avila proceeds to unleash a series of strikes, connecting with a few shots. In response, Pettis retaliates with a left punch.
10-9 Avila
In the 6th round, both fighters are showing signs of fatigue. It takes some time before a solid punch is successfully delivered, specifically an overhand by Pettis. Both fighters throw rights, but Pettis’ punch appears to have more force behind it. Avila manages to push Pettis back with a right punch, but he is not landing as many hits as he did in earlier rounds.
10-9 Pettis
Final result: Chris Avila defeats Anthony Pettis by decision
Amado Vargas vs. Sean Garcia
In the first round, Vargas is wearing a gold outfit while Garcia is in white attire. Vargas successfully strikes Garcia twice in the body. In response, Garcia throws a looping left punch. Vargas keeps accumulating points by targeting Garcia’s body. Meanwhile, Garcia’s attempt at a hook fails to connect.
10-9 Vargas
In the second round, Vargas displays an aggressive approach, thoroughly enjoying himself as he skillfully targets Garcia with body and head shots while maintaining a strong defensive stance. Throughout the round, Garcia finds himself constantly under pressure from Vargas.
10-9 Vargas
In the third round, Vargas relentlessly delivers powerful left and right punches, predominantly targeting the opponent’s body. I must admit, I believe my puns are superior to Mauro’s, considering the sheer amount of punches thrown, it could easily furnish a furniture store with leather. However, Garcia manages to land a solid counter-left. Overall, Vargas displays impressive output in this round.
10-9 Vargas
In the fourth round, Vargas successfully evades a left hook from Garcia and relentlessly attacks his opponent’s body. Both fighters manage to connect with jabs. Vargas delivers a powerful uppercut that forces Garcia to retreat. Although Garcia retaliates, he appears to be in pain. Vargas continues to pressure Garcia, and eventually lands a body shot that knocks him down. Despite the knockdown, Garcia quickly gets back on his feet before the referee’s 10-count. Vargas continues to unleash punches, while Garcia bravely fights back, clenching his mouthpiece and responding with intense aggression.
10-8 Vargas
In the fifth round, I retract my previous statement about Garcia being dropped. It was actually an uppercut that Garcia intentionally avoided. Vargas starts the round aggressively, focusing his punches on the body and throwing uppercuts. Garcia manages to land a right hand, but Vargas is content with pushing Garcia towards the ropes, unleashing his punches, and then forcing him to move to the next set of ropes. Vargas displays some impressive footwork. Although Garcia lands a decent counter, he is still being outmatched by a ratio of 7 to 1 in terms of punches landed. As the bell rings, a liver shot causes Garcia to wince in pain.
10-9 Vargas
In the sixth round, Garcia is struck by a powerful right hook, causing Vargas to go all out on him. Despite his attempts to fight back, Garcia’s situation appears grim. As he swiftly moves towards another rope, Vargas intensifies his assault. Suddenly, the referee intervenes and puts an end to the match.
Final result: Amado Vargas defeats Sean Garcia by TKO
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