From left to right Nate Diaz, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and Nick Diaz

By Joshua Molina

They grew up on the rough streets, but 2013 may be the year of the Diaz brothers.

That’s because they both like to win, or die trying.

Younger brother Nate Diaz was supposed to be second-best to older brother Nick, but it turns out that’s not actually the case.

Nate will get his well-deserved shot at the gold on Dec. 8 against the lightning quick Benson Henderson.

At a time when MMA is increasingly dominated by tactical battles between guys fighting defensively, the Henderson vs. Diaz fight on paper has the potential to be fight of the year.

Nate already said on TV that he won’t allow the fight to go to the judges scorecard. Nate is a fighter and like, his brother, is fearless.

Don’t expect Henderson to get away with peppering Nate from the outside for five rounds. Nate will attempt to take Henderson down, or close the gap and trap Henderson against the cage.

Nate doesn’t really have a lot to fear by rushing Henderson. Nate has never been knocked out, and Henderson has only 4 knockout victories.

Nate knows this and it’s not likely that he’s going to be afraid of Henderson’s power.

Henderson’s best chance at winning is using his superior hand speed to secure a  5-round decision. If Nate isn’t going to let this happen, this fight will quickly turn into a thrilling submission war.

With 11 submission wins, expect Nate to follow his heart and look to submit Henderson, who has six submission wins of his own. This will be a war, and you have to like the chances of a Diaz brother on any kind of war.

Speaking of, Nick Diaz will likely get a second shot against Georges St. Pierre in 2013, if he doesn’t self-destruct along the way.

GSP is shying away from a fight with Anderson Silva, and GSP’s camp is now talking about how Nick deserves a title shot.

Nick may be the better all-around fighter, but he lacks the mental focus of his brother Nate. Still, Nick has the X-Factor that few possess. He’s fearless, hungry and a has a legitimate mean streak. Coupled with great talent, Nick can beat anybody, as long as he keeps his head into the fight.

Nick might get his shot in 2013, and if he does, expect him to win, or die trying.