Here are Guy Giles' best UFC picks for Leon Edwards v Nate Diaz at UFC 263. Visit the Betway Insider for picks on all the biggest fights.

Edwards v Diaz odds

One of the UFC’s biggest names returns to the Octagon at UFC 263 as Nate Diaz faces welterweight contender Leon Edwards in a five-round contest.

Diaz last fought in November 2019, losing the ‘BMF’ belt to Jorge Masvidal via third-round TKO after a nasty cut rendered him unable to continue.

He has fought only sporadically in recent years, stepping into the Octagon just twice since losing against Conor McGregor in August 2016.

While his last two fights have come against opponents at the tail end of their careers, this will be a serious test against one of the best at 170lb.

Edwards is unbeaten in his last eight fights and is 10-2 in the UFC, holding wins over Rafael dos Anjos, Donald Cerrone and Vicente Luque.

The Birmingham native can count himself unlucky to have not got a shot at the belt yet, but a win over Diaz would put him right back into contention to face Kamaru Usman, who handed him one of his two UFC losses back in 2015.

Edwards is the clear favourite to win in Glendale and put his name back into the welterweight conversation.

Diaz, meanwhile, is the underdog.

Edwards v Diaz prediction

Diaz may be coming off a long lay-off, but Edwards hasn’t exactly been active recently either.

His fight against Belal Muhammad in March, which ended in a no-contest early in the second round, was his first since July 2019.

That lack of fight time is a slight worry for Edwards, but there is a reason why he is such a clear favourite for this one.

‘Rocky’ is one of the most polished strikers in the division, with his game built on a foundation of world-class kickboxing.

He has the power to end fights, with six knockout victories in his career, but it is the precision with which Edwards works that makes him a real threat.

He uses his range control to pick off his opponents while staying out of danger, and has secured the decision in six of his last eight bouts.

Diaz is an accomplished boxer himself, and their complementary styles should make for an exciting fight, but it’s hard to see him finishing Edwards, who has never been knocked out.

Diaz would have an advantage on the ground but, being the entertainer he is, it feels like this fight will take place on the feet.

If that is the case, Edwards should have the clear advantage and is likely to eke out another decision win.

Edwards to win by decision

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