Nate Diaz vs. Rory MacDonald

21-year old phenom Rory MacDonald(10-1) will face a stiff test in his return from injuries, as TUF 5 winner Nate Diaz(13-6) has accepted the fight at UFC 129 according to MMAfighting. MacDonald was rumored to be fighting James Wilks at this event, but no word was given for Wilks’ removal from the fight card.

MacDonald(ranked #35 WW) definitely has a tougher challenge with the change in opponent. Diaz is coming off another close decision loss, which Diaz once again feels he won. Diaz has every right to be upset, but he needs to be able to work on his scrambles better in order to get out of the clinch where stronger opponents can control him. Diaz(ranked #26 WW) won’t have to worry about getting thrown around by MacDonald, but he does have to worry about the pace that MacDonald sets.

This is truly a great matchup of prospects, which will show just how far this sport has grown over the years. Both fighters are well-rounded and they will likely be able to show off those skills in this fight as this promises to be nonstop action throughout. Rory will have the hometown crowd behind him, that may propel him to victory, but I’m going to have to lean towards Diaz’s boxing being more of an x-factor in this one.