Jim Miller Braces for Nate Diaz: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

"Ultimate Fighter" season five Winner Nate Diaz has come a long way since his days on the reality TV series, and he's one fight away from becoming the seventh TUF winner to earn a shot at a UFC title.

After putting on an impressive performance in his victory against Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 - overwhelming "Cowboy" with his constant barrage of precise combinations, Diaz is currently set to face MMA veteran Jim Miller on May 5. The winner of their "UFC on Fox 3" bout will get a shot at the UFC's lightweight title.

Like Diaz, Miller also coming off a win - defeating Melvin Guillard at "UFC on FX," but he was nowhere near as impressive. He struggled a bit in the early moments of his bout against Guillard, before securing a takedown and tapping Melvin out.

However, Miller is the favorite going into the bout, and he plans to put on a dominant performance against Diaz in his home-state of New Jersey.

"I know Nate pushes a good pace, so I want to be ready for anything once I step inside the octagon," Miller said about his upcoming bout. "I really want to make a statement in this fight and really cement myself as one of the top 155'ers. … I really hope to put on a good show for you guys on May 5th. I'm super excited to be headlining this fight on Fox. It's at the Izod Center, in my home state. It's a huge fight for me."

Diaz has had problems with dominant wrestlers in the past, and it'll be interesting to see how much his wrestling has improved. He'll certainly have the advantage in the striking exchanges.

Diaz might be the underdog going into his bout with Miller, but I expect him to come out on top at "UFC on Fox 3." He has faced tougher opponents in the past, and with sparring partners like Jake Shield's and Gilbert Melendez, Diaz should be able to handle Miller's wrestling.

David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner that has watched and studied MMA for the past 7 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Sources:

Joey Santosus, "Jim Miller plans to "make a statement" against Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 3"

Fight and fighter information from Sherdog.com

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