Diaz Wins Fifth Straight in SD Over Neer

TUF 5 Champ Nathan Diaz (10-2) came out on top of an exciting split decision over “Dentist” Josh Neer (24-7-1) Wednesday night in Omaha.

“This dude is down,” Diaz said of Neer after the “W”.

Neer had no quit trying to avenge his only stoppage loss to Nate’s brother, Nick Diaz (18-7); but, Nate seemed to have a counter for every position, submission, and strike Neer threw.

In the first round, Neer backed Diaz up with a left hook; but, Diaz closed and peppered Neer’s body with slasshing punches, followed by an overhand right as Neer clinched.  Neer countered with an uppercut, countered by Diaz with a right hook.

In the second round, Diaz dove head first into Neer’s guard as Neer wrapped his legs into a triangle choke; but, Diaz stepped over Neer’s body to break the lock.

On their feet, Neer slammed Diaz and took his back; but, Diaz defended the choke and rolled into Neer’s guard.

Again in the final round, Diaz peppered Neer with pitty-patt combos and nearly dove into a triangle choke before stepping over Neer to defend.

Diaz repeated a hip toss in the third that he had scored in the first round.

Judges’ scores were 29-28 twice for Diaz and 29-28 once for Neer.