It was fitting that a fight built around image rather than substance ended up mirroring that dynamic. Both Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz have cultivated cult followings with their “bad boy” personas and striking prowess in MMA. But their bout atop a pay-per-view card Saturday in Anaheim, California, felt more like a reunion tour for a classic rock band than a world-championship light heavyweight boxing match.
Diaz won a majority decision over Masvidal in the main event at the Honda Center before a sold-out crowd of 18,040, avenging his MMA loss to Masvidal from five years ago.
The scores were 95-95, 98-92 and 97-93.
Diaz (1-1), 39, of Stockton, California, came out strong and clearly won the first round, while Masvidal (1-1), 39, of Miami, Florida, adjusted by fighting out of a southpaw stance. Diaz’s forward pressure backed up Masvidal, who presented angles and movement. The bout, however, wasn’t the most aesthetically appealing.
As the two battled, the punches seemed secondary to the spectacle of two legendary MMA fighters, now nearing 40, sharing a boxing ring and turning in what is surely one of their last performances in combat sports. Although it wasn’t a world title bout they competed in, both fighters gave a game effort in a grueling contest. Diaz’s relentless forward pressure resembled that of Antonio Margarito, while Masvidal utilized more traditional techniques and timed Diaz effectively.
Through eight rounds, they mirrored each other in punch stats, with Masvidal landing slightly more frequently than Diaz. Masvidal had his most notable round, delivering good body shots, but Diaz rallied back at the end. Masvidal continued to land eye-catching shots, and the two fought until the final bell.
The judges favored Diaz’s aggression and volume, awarding him the majority decision.
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