The Countdown To UFC 279: Chimaev vs. Diaz Has Officially Begun

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Fight week has arrived for one of the most unique main events in UFC history when #3-ranked Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev headlines UFC 279 opposite Stockton superstar Nate Diaz.
Despite fight week officially kicking off yesterday, the UFC 279 main event has already been one of the most talked about fights of the year. And the official UFC 279 Countdown video gives fans much more to talk about.
One of, if not the leading narrative surrounding this fight is that this is Nate Diaz’s final fight on his UFC contract and that the promotion maliciously handpicked Khamzat Chimaev to inhospitably show him the way off the premises.
However, as expected, the Countdown video paints the fight in a much more favorable light with handpicked soundbites from media members gushing at this pairing.
In the co-main event, another major fan favorite and strong self-promoter Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson will take the Octagon to compete against Li Jingliang.
Below, you can find out more of what you can expect from the official Countdown video featuring both of the above fights.
“It’s a fight, as far as I’m concerned. Him being the favorite and everybody thinks he’s gonna win but on what ground? You better take me clean out the way the odds are, right? The pressure’s on, dawg.” – Nate Diaz
Photo via Instagram @natediaz209
In the video, we get an intimate look at what goes into making this battle-bred MMA fighter. UFC fans have watched Diaz grow up before their very eyes, and this episode shares Diaz’s journey from Stockton, California, to global superstar ahead of arguably his biggest challenge to date.
“I am a monster for the gangsters” – Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev, Image Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
If you had any questions if the hype is still strong surrounding Khamzat Chimaev, just let this Countdown episode and the Smesh Bros wake you back up. Chimaev feeds the hype by adding his usual trash talk to the equation, and this episode draws a strong contrast between Chimaev’s fast rise and Diaz’s decade-plus grind.
“I won the Ultimate Fighter Championship at 170 pounds. I knocked every person out. I’m not gonna hold back. I’m gonna win this f*****n fight.” – Tony Ferguson

The Countdown does a strong job of reminding fans that this is a fresh start for Tony Ferguson as he is returning to welterweight after being away from the division for over 10 years. If victorious Saturday, El Cucuy will have found a second wind in a division in which he’s never lost.
“Every move I make is a threat. He can strike, I strike harder. He can wrestle; I can, too. You just haven’t seen it yet. I guarantee that when the fight starts, you will see a brand-new Leech.” – Li Jingliang
Image Credit: Ron Chenoy of USA TODAY Sports
Li Jingliang’s native pride shines through in the video, as does his confidence. With all eyes on him in the co-main event of one of the biggest events of the year, it comes across in the Countdown episode that Jingliang is more than ready for the moment ahead.
Below, you can watch the full UFC 279 Countdown video followed by the complete lineup for this weekend’s big event!

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And here is the current lineup for UFC 279. Card, bout order, and start times subject to change.
UFC 279 Main Card (PPV, 10:00 PM ET)
Welterweight: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz
Welterweight: Tony Ferguson vs. Li Jingliang
Catchweight (180lbs): Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Women’s Bantamweight: Irene Aldana vs. Macy Chiasson
Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba
UFC 279 Preliminary Card (8:00 PM ET, ESPNEWS/ESPN+)
Featherweight: Hakeem Dawodu vs. Julian Erosa
Heavyweight: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Jailton Almeida
Middleweight: Jamie Pickett vs. Denis Tiuliulin
Heavyweight: Jake Collier vs. Chris Barnett
UFC 279 EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD
Women’s Featherweight: Norma Dumont vs. Danyelle Wolf
Bantamweight: Alateng Heili vs. Chad Anheliger
Women’s Strawweight: Elise Reed vs. Melissa Martinez
Welterweight: Darian Weeks vs. Yohan Lainesse

Fight week has arrived for one of the most unique main events in UFC history when #3-ranked Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev headlines UFC 279 opposite Stockton superstar Nate Diaz.


Despite fight week officially kicking off yesterday, the UFC 279 main event has already been one of the most talked about fights of the year. And the official UFC 279 Countdown video gives fans much more to talk about.


One of, if not the leading narrative surrounding this fight is that this is Nate Diaz’s final fight on his UFC contract and that the promotion maliciously handpicked Khamzat Chimaev to inhospitably show him the way off the premises.


However, as expected, the Countdown video paints the fight in a much more favorable light with handpicked soundbites from media members gushing at this pairing.


In the co-main event, another major fan favorite and strong self-promoter Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson will take the Octagon to compete against Li Jingliang.


Below, you can find out more of what you can expect from the official Countdown video featuring both of the above fights.


“It’s a fight, as far as I’m concerned. Him being the favorite and everybody thinks he’s gonna win but on what ground? You better take me clean out the way the odds are, right? The pressure’s on, dawg.” – Nate Diaz

[/quote]
Nate-Diaz-baby-1024x576.jpg.optimal.jpg
Photo via Instagram @natediaz209
In the video, we get an intimate look at what goes into making this battle-bred MMA fighter. UFC fans have watched Diaz grow up before their very eyes, and this episode shares Diaz’s journey from Stockton, California, to global superstar ahead of arguably his biggest challenge to date.


“I am a monster for the gangsters” – Khamzat Chimaev

[/quote]
Khamzat-Chimaev-October-31-1024x576.jpg.optimal.jpg
Khamzat Chimaev, Image Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
If you had any questions if the hype is still strong surrounding Khamzat Chimaev, just let this Countdown episode and the Smesh Bros wake you back up. Chimaev feeds the hype by adding his usual trash talk to the equation, and this episode draws a strong contrast between Chimaev’s fast rise and Diaz’s decade-plus grind.


“I won the Ultimate Fighter Championship at 170 pounds. I knocked every person out. I’m not gonna hold back. I’m gonna win this f*****n fight.” – Tony Ferguson

[/quote]
pjimage-2022-05-27T102046.848-1024x576.jpg.optimal.jpg

The Countdown does a strong job of reminding fans that this is a fresh start for Tony Ferguson as he is returning to welterweight after being away from the division for over 10 years. If victorious Saturday, El Cucuy will have found a second wind in a division in which he’s never lost.


“Every move I make is a threat. He can strike, I strike harder. He can wrestle; I can, too. You just haven’t seen it yet. I guarantee that when the fight starts, you will see a brand-new Leech.” – Li Jingliang

[/quote]
oie_mIjvES1GR5y1.jpg.optimal.jpg
Image Credit: Ron Chenoy of USA TODAY Sports
Li Jingliang’s native pride shines through in the video, as does his confidence. With all eyes on him in the co-main event of one of the biggest events of the year, it comes across in the Countdown episode that Jingliang is more than ready for the moment ahead.


Below, you can watch the full UFC 279 Countdown video followed by the complete lineup for this weekend’s big event!






And here is the current lineup for UFC 279. Card, bout order, and start times subject to change.


UFC 279 Main Card (PPV, 10:00 PM ET)
Welterweight: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz


Welterweight: Tony Ferguson vs. Li Jingliang


Catchweight (180lbs): Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez


Women’s Bantamweight: Irene Aldana vs. Macy Chiasson


Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba


UFC 279 Preliminary Card (8:00 PM ET, ESPNEWS/ESPN+)
Featherweight: Hakeem Dawodu vs. Julian Erosa


Heavyweight: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Jailton Almeida


Middleweight: Jamie Pickett vs. Denis Tiuliulin


Heavyweight: Jake Collier vs. Chris Barnett


UFC 279 EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD
Women’s Featherweight: Norma Dumont vs. Danyelle Wolf


Bantamweight: Alateng Heili vs. Chad Anheliger


Women’s Strawweight: Elise Reed vs. Melissa Martinez


Welterweight: Darian Weeks vs. Yohan Lainesse




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