It was fitting that a fight built around image rather than substance would ultimately reflect that vigorous. Both Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz have earned legions of fans for their bad-boy personas and striking skills in MMA. But their fight at the top of the pay-per-view card Saturday in Anaheim, Calif., felt more like a classic rock band touring than a world airy heavyweight championship boxing match.
Diaz defeated Masvidal by majority decision in the main event at the Honda Center before a packed crowd of 18,040, avenging his MMA loss to Masvidal five years ago.
The scores were 95-95, 98-92 and 97-93.
Diaz (1-1), 39, of Stockton, Calif., came out robust and clearly won the first round, while Masvidal (1-1), 39, of Miami, Fla., improved by fighting from a left-handed stance. Diaz’s forward pressure supported Masvidal, who showed off his angles and movement. However, the fight was not the most aesthetically pleasing.
As the two fought, the punches seemed secondary to the spectacle of two legendary MMA fighters, both approaching 40, sharing a boxing ring and putting in what is sure to be one of their final performances in combat sports. While this wasn’t a world title fight they were competing in, both fighters put in a ton of effort in a grueling fight. Diaz’s relentless pressure was reminiscent of Antonio Margarito’s, while Masvidal used more conventional techniques and effectively timed Diaz.
Through eight rounds, the two men mirrored each other in the punching stats, with Masvidal landing slightly more than Diaz. Masvidal had his most impactful round, landing good body shots, but Diaz recovered toward the end. Masvidal continued to land eye-catching punches, and the two fought until the final bell.
The judges appreciated Diaz’s aggression and volume, awarding him a majority decision victory.