UFC 196 Tale of the Tape: McGregor vs Diaz, Holm vs Tate

A lot of factors can determine the outcome of a mixed martial arts fight. Height and reach can affect strategy while fighting style and tendencies can foreshadow how the bouts will end. For the main and co-main events of UFC 196, the tale of the tape shows where each fighter has an advantage:

The tale of the tape shows that Diaz has a substantial height and reach advantage. McGregor relied on his height and reach to dominate the featherweight division, but Saturday will be the first time we see “The Notorious” enter the octagon as the smaller fighter. If Diaz fights long he’ll be able to control the distance, forcing McGregor to have to figure out a way to get inside for his power punches.

The tale of the tape suggests Tate’s sole chance of winning would be if she takes the fight to the ground, but she has shown substantial improvements in her striking over her last few performances. We’ve yet to see Holm get tested on the ground, but she demonstrated strong takedown defense when she defeated Ronda Rousey for the title.