Nick Diaz defeats Strikeforce Welterweight contender, Paul Daley, via TKO in the 1st round with 3 seconds left. Diaz successfully defended his Strikeforce Welterweight Title for a third time at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley.
(photo via Mark J. Rebilas / ESPN)
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley was the first major event done by Strikeforce under the Zuffa banner, and it looked like it went through without a hitch. From interview with fighters, the biggest changes were done behind the scenes where they’ve commented that everything was much more organized. Other than that, it looks like “Business as usual.”
Cesar Gracie Jui-jitsu respresented strong at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. Both Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez, respectfully the Strikeforce Champions, retained their titles on Saturday. This was another great event for Strikeforce and despite the recent acquisition, it looked and felt like a great event. I personally like watching the differences between Strikeforce and the UFC, but I do want to see some of these fighters fight the best in the UFC.
1. Nick Diaz overwhelms Paul Daley in a TKO win
If you ever wanted to see a back and forth battle between two top-tier fighters, you got it with Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley. They both put on a show in the first round where both fighters were able to drop the other within the 5 minute round. I wished they didn’t stop the fight 3 seconds before the round ended because I would have loved to see more rounds since it was so exciting. Although, the flurry Diaz put together at end definitely looked good enough to end the fight. Diaz can be a bigger superstar than he is already, and I can’t wait to see him take on some of the UFC brass.
2. Gilbert Melendez looked vicious, bring on the UFC competition!
All I got to say is KNEES and ELBOWS!!! Gilbert Melendez looked really good against Tatsuya Kawajiri. When I saw good, I mean dominating. He was able to get a good range on his striking and whenever he got into a clinch position — he throw some of the fastest knees I’ve seen in a while. It was like he knew what was going to happen since every movement was so fast. When it got to the ground, the punches reigned down like thunder. When he got the space on the ground, those elbows on the end came down viciously on Kawajiri’s head. He’s right to say he’s one of the best Lightweights in MMA.
3. Gegard Mousasi and Keith brawl it out towards a draw
I knew this fight was going to be close, but the decision was a lot closer than I thought it was going to be. Gegard Mousasi obviously did the most damage during the fight, but you can kind of make a case for Keith Jardine having his moments with control and takedowns. Although, this shouldn’t have been a draw. I saw this 29-27 for Mousasi, but the point taken away was clearly the difference. I don’t want to see this fight again despite the draw — have Gegard fight another Light Heavyweight and Jardine drop to Middleweight.
4. Shinya Aoki shows why you should never go to the ground with him
If you’re going against Shinya Aoki, the game plan should be “Don’t go to the ground with him”. You have to work you butt off to keep the fight on the feet and Lyle Beerbohm did not do that. He went straight to clinching with Aoki and eventually got to ground from an Aoki trip. Once it was there, it was over. He snapped on a neck crank / rear-naked choke and it was game over. Japan MMA FTW!
(Photo via Esther Lin / Strikeforce)
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QUESTION: What did you think of the Strikeforce event under Zuffa?
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley is the first event under the Zuffa umbrella, and I’m excited what the marketing machine can do to promote the fights and the fighters. This is a great card with Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley being the main event. Both fighters have had reservations and been vocal with their thoughts about Zuffa purchasing Strikeforce, but the show must go on and look for them to bring it!
1. Back and forth fight with Nick Diaz eeking it out with a win
I see this being a very tough fight for Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, Nick Diaz. Unlike his past fights, Paul Daley is probably one of the most skilled and most powerful strikers in the Welterweight Division. If he lands one of those semtex-like punches, it could be trouble for Diaz. Knowing how game Diaz is, he may very well stand up with Daley during the fight since he’s just that type of fighter. I don’t think he will though, and he’ll look to take the fight to the ground and bring Daley to his world — Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. His teammate, Jake Shields, has already fought Daley and I see the fight going similarly to that fight, but with some exciting back and forth action on the feet. I can’t wait for this fight — two badass fighters looking to finish the fight.
Prediction: Nick Diaz over Paul Daley via submission
2. Gilbert Melendez shows the world why he’s a Top 5 Lightweight
Gilbert Melendez is looking to prove he’s one of the best Lightweights in the world. With Zuffa’s recent acquisition of Strikeforce, Melendez is looking to make an impression. He does have the tools to stand and bang, but his wrestling is going to be the key factor against Tatsuya Kawajiri. The Japanese fighter like Melendez is looking to prove a point as well for Japan MMA. He looks to be a tougher fight for Melendez than Shinya Aoki since he can strike and has a solid wrestling game. Although, Melendez is just better everywhere and that’s the difference.
Prediction: Gilbert Melendez over Tatsuya Kawajiri via TKO
“People say that marijuana is going to hurt my career. On the contrary, my fight career is getting in the way of my marijuana smoking.”
— Nick Diaz, Strikeforce Welterweight Champion
(find more MMA Quotes)
