Megan Anderson's Breakdown - Khamzat Chimaev will bring the pressure; can Nate Diaz withstand it?

One of UFC's rising stars returns to action this weekend as Khamzat Chimaev takes on Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPNEWS/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6 p.m.).

Chimaev (11-0), who is 5-0 since entering the UFC, is coming off his first fight to go the distance in the promotion, a unanimous decision win over Gilbert Burns in April.

Diaz (21-13), who will be making his first appearance in the Octagon this year, could be making his last appearance with the promotion. Diaz is tied for the third-most submission wins in the lightweight division.

Big questions abound regarding this fight. Why are these two even facing off at their respective places in their careers? Can Diaz muster up one more iconic performance before his contract expires? What's at stake for Chimaev if he can add a big-name win to his ledger?

Former UFC fighter and ESPN MMA analyst Megan Anderson answers those questions and breaks down the marquee matchup at UFC 279.

When I see this fight, my first thought is: This fight makes absolutely no sense. Where Diaz is in his career, this fight does nothing for him. Based on his current relationship with the promotion, this is on brand for the UFC to book this fight.

Nate Diaz returns to take on Khamzat Chimaev in a welterweight bout in the main event of UFC 279 in Las Vegas.

Buy UFC 279 on ESPN+ PPV

UFC 279: Chimaev-DiazSaturday, Sept. 10, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas • Main card: 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV • Prelims: 8 p.m. on ESPN/ESPN+ • Early prelims: 6 p.m. on ESPN+

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