Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley April 9, 2011
Valley View Casino Center
San Diego, California
Main Bouts (On Showtime):
Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz (24-7) vs. Paul Daley (27-9-2) There should be few surprises here. We know what both men bring to the table and do well. Diaz is well rounded with amazing Jiu Jitsu and horrible takedown attempts. Nick also has a long reaching jab in high supply with great body shots that slow everyone down. "Semtex" can KO anyone at any time but that is all he has. If pride gets into Nick's head and he decides to stand and trade all night, I see bad things including some bloody cuts via the newly legal elbows. Mixing things up for the Cesar Gracie fighter is essential while baiting Daley into a mistake on the ground. I'm not so sure Paul can even go 5 rounds let alone against a man who trains triathlon's for fun. The percentages say Diaz all day but be aware that 1 punch can change any fight though Nick is known for his strong beard.
WINNER-Nick Diaz Rd.4 Submission
* There wasn't any trash talk for this bout between 2 notorious shit talkers, but finally we got some extra-curricular activities at the weigh-ins. They squared off and Daley threw down his hat and began talking. Diaz known for responding calmly could be seen uttering his trademark "Bitch" as the 2 fellas got heated for some good promotional fun!
Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (18-2) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (27-6-2) [Rematch] It was one of the best fights of 2006 when these two underrated Lightweights last met with "El Nino" taking the judges nod. "Crusher" is a tough nosed wrestler but he didn't train for a cage and Melendez has improved in every area while Kawajiri stays relatively the same. Both men get to use elbow strikes with Zuffa implementing universal rules which I like. Gil will also wear down Tatsuya with his relentless cardio endurance though both men are very difficult to finish. I still think it will be a close fight and hopefully a "Fight Of The Year" candidate like in their 1st meeting.
Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (18-2) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (27-6-2) [Rematch] It was one of the best fights of 2006 when these two underrated Lightweights last met with "El Nino" taking the judges nod. "Crusher" is a tough nosed wrestler but he didn't train for a cage and Melendez has improved in every area while Kawajiri stays relatively the same. Both men get to use elbow strikes with Zuffa implementing universal rules which I like. Gil will also wear down Tatsuya with his relentless cardio endurance though both men are very difficult to finish. I still think it will be a close fight and hopefully a "Fight Of The Year" candidate like in their 1st meeting.
WINNER-Gilbert Melendez by Decision
Gegard Mousasi (30-3-1) vs. Keith Jardine (17-9-1) Does the "Dean Of Mean" know that you don't have to take a fight offered to you? Especially one that is your nightmare match-up; a guy with great hands, slick submissions, speed, and KO power. I think Ray Charles can see beyond the grave that Keith is going to be KO'd by a left hook at some point.
Shinya Aoki (26-5) vs. Lyle Beerbohm (15-1) This is a must win for Aoki. After his embarrassing loss at New Year's Eve and a failed outing before that on Nashville soil, the "Tobikan" has to have a good showing to prove he is still an elite Lightweight. With DREAM & Sengoku crumbling in Japan, he might need a job soon and Zuffa eyes are watching. "Fancy Pants" is a good mid-tier fighter who needs to stay standing at all costs. Yuichiro Nagashima showed us Aoki can be KO'd during his impersonation of stand up before he drags you to the mat to tap you out and/or break your arm. I see Shinya getting it down eventually but he most be cautious as always in the beginning looking for a proper takedown instead of rushing in to his demise.
Gegard Mousasi (30-3-1) vs. Keith Jardine (17-9-1) Does the "Dean Of Mean" know that you don't have to take a fight offered to you? Especially one that is your nightmare match-up; a guy with great hands, slick submissions, speed, and KO power. I think Ray Charles can see beyond the grave that Keith is going to be KO'd by a left hook at some point.
WINNER-Gegard Mousasi by Rd.1 KO
Shinya Aoki (26-5) vs. Lyle Beerbohm (15-1) This is a must win for Aoki. After his embarrassing loss at New Year's Eve and a failed outing before that on Nashville soil, the "Tobikan" has to have a good showing to prove he is still an elite Lightweight. With DREAM & Sengoku crumbling in Japan, he might need a job soon and Zuffa eyes are watching. "Fancy Pants" is a good mid-tier fighter who needs to stay standing at all costs. Yuichiro Nagashima showed us Aoki can be KO'd during his impersonation of stand up before he drags you to the mat to tap you out and/or break your arm. I see Shinya getting it down eventually but he most be cautious as always in the beginning looking for a proper takedown instead of rushing in to his demise.
WINNER-Shinya Aoki by Rd.2 Submission
Prelims (Non-Televised):
Hiroyuki Takaya (15-8-1) vs. Robert Peralta (13-3)
Brett Albee (3-0) vs. Virgil Zwicker (9-2)
Saad Awad (8-3) vs. Joe Duarte (5-2)
Herman Terrado (5-2) vs. A.J. Matthews (4-0)
Edgar Cardenas (3-0) vs. Rolando Perez (5-4-1)
Casey Ryan (1-0) vs. Paul Song (2-0)
Prelims (Non-Televised):
Hiroyuki Takaya (15-8-1) vs. Robert Peralta (13-3)
Brett Albee (3-0) vs. Virgil Zwicker (9-2)
Saad Awad (8-3) vs. Joe Duarte (5-2)
Herman Terrado (5-2) vs. A.J. Matthews (4-0)
Edgar Cardenas (3-0) vs. Rolando Perez (5-4-1)
Casey Ryan (1-0) vs. Paul Song (2-0)
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