Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz outlasted challenger Paul Daley to score a first-round TKO and retain the 170-pound title in the main event of Saturday’s “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley” event.
The Showtime-televised card took place in San Diego, California, and also saw lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez defend his 155-pound belt with a first-round TKO of Tatsuya Kawajiri.
Diaz and Daley went back-and-forth with strikes in an action-packed round that saw both fighters in trouble on more than one occasion, but Diaz survived a late knock down to put Daley on the canvas with a right hook before finishing him off on the ground with 3-seconds left.
With the victory, Diaz improves to 25-7 with 10-straight wins and three successful title defenses since October, while Daley falls to 27-10-2 and snaps a four-fight win streak since being cut by the UFC last year.
In the night’s co-main event, Melendez blasted Kawajiri from the opening bell before putting the Japanese challenger away with ground and pound midway through the first.
Melendez solidified his status as one of the sport’s top lightweights with his fifth-straight win to move to 19-2, while Kawajiri drops to 27-7-2.
Former champion Gegard Mousasi dominated late-replacement Keith Jardine after the UFC veteran quickly tired, but settled for a majority draw after losing a point for an illegal upkick in the opening round.
Japanese lightweight Shinya Aoki kicked off the main card by forcing Lyle Beerbohm to submit to a neck crank early in the opening round.
The official “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley” results were:
- Champ Nick Diaz def. Paul Daley via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:57
Strikeforce Welterweight Championship - Champ Gilbert Melendez def. Tatsuya Kawajiri via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:14
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship - Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine – majority draw (29-27 Mousasi, 28-28, 28-28)
- Shinya Aoki def. Lyle Beerbohm via submission (neck crank) – Round 1, 1:33
Pictured: Nick Diaz
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What a great night of fights. Diaz big surprice, Aoki well done, Gil amaizing job. Judjes did spoiled the this night after Mousasi fight, but you can’t have everything perfect.
With the point deduction in the 1st that’s 10-8 KJ even if GM won the next 2 rounds, that’s still a draw?
If two judges score it that way, then it is a majority draw. Regardless of how the third judge scores it.
@ChrisL
We on the same page regarding judges tend to judge and how they should and i don’t remember myself beeing desagree with your scores for the fights. Just upset by the end result, because the final score was total oposite from the real situation in this fight :-(
Mousasi really only has himself to blame. He threw the upkick and he knew it. Hard to fault the judges. Although it would be nice if judges learned the proper value of a takedown.
Agree regarding values of the takedowns, one more thing want to add, what do you think about calling round 3 (10 – 8). To sum all what i want to say, the system is not that bad, the people who using the system has a lot of learning to do :-(
@Vasya I was close to a 10-8 there myself in the third, I warned of that first round though… penalty points are crucial…
@Bsbiz I do agree with most takedowns but if you check out Michael Chandler’s takedowns… those scored big damage
Those aren’t the takedowns that are improperly valued. Jardine won that first round to two judges because he scored four takedowns, threw three punches and landed two. For me, none of those were scoring takedowns and I had Mousasi “winning” 9-9.
remember i too had the round 9-9, just saying it’s hard to differentiate for judges…
Personally, I think the were distracted by Jardine’s Pirates of the Carribean co-star’s stache…
I can undersand (but would not support this decision) first round went to KJ plus point didaction, but in this case as a judge i would have no choice to call the last round as 10 – 8 if i called first round 10 – 8 to KJ. Agree regarding your example with the takedowns , but in KJ’s case it was nothing behaind these takedowns, no damage as well was done after they went to the ground this why to give a round to KJ just based on the takedowns wasn’t best decision , specialy when in a striking department KJ was just simply outplayed by GM.
like I said on twitter… I had it 29-27… I’m just going off of how judges tend to judge fights rather than how they should.
Clearly Mousasi won the fight..
It is getting to be so bad that I think judges should consider giving an automatic 10-8 round to a fighter who convincingly wins the final rd of a close/controversial fight
This would ensure the correct decision is reached
But what if the other guy wins the first two rounds 10-9? Then you end up with a draw. In the end, Mousasi cost himself that win by using the illegal upkick. End of story.
@bsbiz
“an automatic 10-8 round to a fighter who convincingly wins the final rd of a close/controversial fight”
If the other fighter won the first two rd’s that would not qualify as a “close/controversial” fight…u know what I mean?
Sorry, first time posted it in a wrong place
@ChrisL
We on the same page regarding judges tend to judge and how they should and i don’t remember myself beeing desagree with your scores for the fights. Just upset by the end result, because the final score was total oposite from the real situation in this fight :-(
So if the Machida/Rua fight had been a three rounder and Machida had won the first two rounds and Rua “convincingly” won the third… You’d be OK with a draw? Seriously? You’re trying to change a system that doesn’t need to be changed.
No I am saying use some discretion
In the example that you gave do not give the automatic 10-8 final rd but in certain fights, when it makes sense, do it to avoid your score card resulting in a draw when a draw is not warranted
This was a huge win for Aoki..With his elite submission skills, Aoki presents a threat to ANYONE at 155
Except for the champion ;)
I think it’s safe to say that Melendez’s size and style are too much for the typical Japanese fighter at 155 to handle.
Beautiful fights tonight. What’s with the unification fights? Then there’s no point to the 2 organizations..make it just UFC then?
Also, Dear Scott Coker, please get some real announcers and commentators…pls!
Sorry man, that has never been Coker’s business, Mauro, Shamrock & Gus are all contractually bound to Showtime, not Strikeforce.
If it even in the slightest amount helps Dear Mr. Coker and the powers that (now) be to answer this man’s prayer, please for the love of God and all the truest fans, please get at least any of the UFC’s past guest commentators…Stephan Bonnar, Kenflo, Jens, Mr. Couture..hell, Bas Ruten and that other guy. Contracts shmontracts when you are both parties. I think I’d be happier with almost ANYBODY else. Damn good fights tonight. I totally understand the draw and was even anticipating it. Why oh why Ranallo were you baffled with the outcome. 10-8, 10-9, 10-9 easily rational and rather quite obvious. end rant.
wait until 2014
Diaz a big surprise… You are joking right?
Cyborg threw some sick leg kicks but Diaz had his liver with fava beans and a nice chianti. Tonight I believe it was Daley’s liver. All around skill wise – and I’ve been attacked for saying this but Diaz has the best skills at WW overall. While I doubt he’d fight Sheilds … I think if he could adapt to this wrestling heavy era he’d shut down GSP because I believe he’s better in most areas, and training with Sheilds may be the ticket… I’ll keep that in mind for GSP v Sheilds
@russiandoeboi
No, not at all, how many people call this fight KO/TKO to Diaz, after you find an answer for this question you see Diaz surpriced most of the people by finishing the fight by the way he did.
I can’t fault Big John for stopping the fight after seeing the replay because honestly, that was a hard call. BUT, 3 seconds? Idk, either way, no one can be upset about that fight, it delivered just as this card did. The next leg of the HW tourney is looking pretty good with a stacked undercard, good job Zuffa.
@Lex
I tought the same about just few second before the round ends, however have no complains about the call. Diaz well deserved victory , i’m not a big fan of Diaz, but have to give him respect for doing in a ring what he does. Mousasi’s fight judges decision was realy bad :-(
@Lex415 looking at Daley on the stool he couldn’t have continued, not only did Diaz catch him but he hit the floor hard. The break period wouldn’t have helped.
most fighters contest the stoppage..daley didnt contest it at all, he jst lay ther lookin all beat up
He was complaining to ref initially…
Yet another very exciting SF event..
Before the early stoppage cries come from the many Diaz haters, just realize that Daley probably would have had a tough time even answering the bell for the 2nd rd..he looked out of it
Nick Diaz, although sometimes classless should be admired for banging with the banger..sure he could have circled, sticked and moved, danced, went for early takedowns etc but that is not what Nick Diaz is about..Diaz took Daley’s dreaded Knock Out shot, recovered & got a TKO of his own..who else can say that?
To be fair, Daley fought majority of that fight right-handed, I don’t think be ever landed that enormous left hook.
It was the left hook that knocked Diaz down…
@Dan82523
Your right, on second viewing he did land a left hook, but it wasn’t as neat as usually throws it. Threw a counter that landed clean but never recovered properly to capitalize. I also think he may have “Gray Maynard/Feijao’d” himself.
Apart from the banging he finishes fight now and then too……..Not like playing some smarta$$ talking about how to hold the belt by any cost, counter punch, making the fight boring. I would consider him #1 WW.
Diaz, despite not facing any top 5 WWs, is your #1? I’m guessing you had Fedor as the best HW until the Werdum fight?
I really have to say that Diaz didn’t need to take those extra risk by taunting Daley when the fight was going. That could be the end when he fall on the floor. So I guess time to say Daley = overatted?
Daley maybe over rated as legitimate threat to well rounded fighter
but Daley’s striking is legit..He will continue to beat a many fighters on power punching alone and likely continue to struggle against top shelf well rounded fighters/wrestlers
I agree but ppl are taking Daley as if he is #1 in the world.
lol..my grammar is worse than usual due to the Jager bombs..my appologies
im on the same page yo, im gonna wait till 2maro 2 post ne thing sencefull
Not to over react guys but considering this was a WW title fight…We may have just seen the greatest one rd MMA fight ever…or at least the greatest in recent memory
Watch that round again…
^yeah dude that was an exciting match.
IMO the last few SF cards gave been more exciting/entertaining than the last few UFC cards. I know I hate on Melendez a lot but that was an impressive victory. I was also impressed with jardine. That dude is tough. Mousasi obviously won that fight but that stupid point deduction caused him the fight. The ref in that fight was taking his “job” as a ref way too serious. He stopped the action like three time dude! WTF!
I was happy for aoki I like seeing these international fighters do well in north american mma.
Diaz is a dangerous fighter. U thought he’d be a fool if he traded hands with Daley but he sure proved me wrong. If Gsp beats shields that’s one “super fight” I’d want to see!
Great night of fights. Well done SF!
Yeah Jazz ,
I was thinking a while back that SF had some decent guys ….. tonight showcased some serious talent . I have Melendez as the best LW in the world right now and Diaz has some real world fight skills whether you like to say it or not .
Good card ……
i expected to rant about Daley but whats really pissing me off is the amount of uneducated idiots that just cant get there heads round the judging. Moussasi should not of won that fight, After the first round was a potential 10-8 to Jardine he should of made it his business to finish the fight. The commentators are talking about giving moussasi titleshots when he couldnt finish The Dean of Mean??
I agree that Mousasi should have gotten the finish but in his defense Jardine showed heart, took a lot of damage and kept his feet underneath him
Also Grizzly Adams (the ref) stopped the fight at one point when Jardine was reeling and about to be finished IMO
Mousasi’s takedown defense looks pathetic
The Daley v. Diaz fight should up the stock of both guys.
Props to Daley for perhaps in some ways his most immpresive fight.
Usually a specialist fighter like Daley who loses is gonna get all the ‘as good as his last fight’ criticism…
But the term one dimensional doesn’t really make sense for Daley.
Fighters wcan be ‘well rounded at one thing , if you follow’ ….
Their game can’t be shut down easily like with a TRULY one-dimensional fighter.
Matt Hughes game was mostly about MMA wrestling & GnP however with-in that realm he had enough well roundedness to dominate most everyone.
I’m not saying that he shouldn’t expand his skill set – the KOS fight is an obvious argument against my point because KOS DID shut down his game, but still there are few WW’s who could shut him down so easily – maybe that’s my point.
Props to Daley
When Jardine only had a two weeks notice, this should have been a highlight reel for Moussasi. Do not get me wrong, I always root for Jardine. But with that short of notice, against that guy. He is lucky to go away with a draw, hope he will stay with SF for a bit, is he serious about going to MW, or is he gonna stay at LHW.
Nick Diaz is the man!!
I must admit that that was an awsome SF event. And I also must admit that Diaz is a bit foolish for trying to strike with daley.. It worked and im happy it did but that seems like a terrible gameplan for a one dimensional fighter like daley. Anyway awsome fight..
And for those guys arguing about the draw.. I scored it a majority draw also.. That deduction cost the fight.. However it was completly fair.. and Jardines Stock just skyrocketed because he managed to pull thourhg as a big underdog to most.
How do you, as one person, score it a majority draw?
@chrisl
@vasya
@bsbiz
And whoever else ;-)
Ok.
I admit it.
Strikeforce did better than I thought they would tonight, and I’m glad I was wrong.
- Diaz and Daley delivered professionally, in spite of what I or anyone else thinks of them personally.
And whether Diaz realized it or not, he took one step closer to a fight with GSP, even though Gilbert Melendez was making “unification” noise that in all likelihood will NOT be to his advantage, because El Nino has little chance of “Kawajiri’ing” Frankie Edgar or Gray Maynard or BJ Penn if he returns to 155.
- Beerbohm’s chances weren’t great against Aoki, but he honestly should have been better prepared for one of the planet’s top 155ers. If he’s serious about MMA, then he should be about it instead of just talking about it.
- And people can whine as much as they want about Jardine-Mousasi, but consider that Mousasi underperformed, AGAIN, and should have won this won 10 minutes in.
Mauro Ranallo seriously embarrassed himself last night, going on about how horrible the decision was.
Maybe the REAL story there, which in theory Ranallo and other present MMA “commentators” should have commented on, is why Mousasi seems to have no takedown defense?
And how is he supposed to realize his full potential in North America with guys like Keith Jardine taking him down seemingly at will?
Forget the supposedly shady judging for a second.
Take downs should be worth more, in spite of opinions [and regs] to the contrary.
Plus takedowns make [or at least should make] a great psychological impact on judges and refs [and smart fans] because most of them know they should be valued more highly than they are.
At least, thats what fans of the Diego Sanchez-Martin Kampmann keep telling me, to ignore the compu-strike numbers and go with the flow.
Also, if Jardine had come out of a full 205 camp, Mousasi would have been screwed.
IMO Mousasi is fortunate to have earned the draw, so his supporters should dry those tears and switch off their squawk boxes.
If Mousasi wants to kickbox, thats cool.
If Mousasi wants to try to box for Holland in the Olympics, thats cool too.
But if Mousasi wants to be taken seriously and strike gold in North American MMA, and not just in Japan, then he’d best learn to defend a takedown, otherwise he’s just wasting everyone’s time.
With his current skillset deficiencies, Mousasi and his supporters are DREAM’ing if they thing he could hang in a unified Zuffa org at 205 with the current roster.
He11, its looking like Mousasi may be having trouble hanging in Strikeforce at 205, let alone any possible future UFC opposition…
The Keith jardine fight is one of the reasons it’s harder for me to give strike force fighters all the props that everyone else seems to. My guess is Mousasi is top 2 or 3 LHW in SF? And he couldn’t beat jardine who was under conditioned and really couldn’t hang with UFC LHWs. No disrespect to Keith, he has a big heart and always brings it. So when I hear Melendez self proclamation of being the best LW in the world, or I read that Diaz could beat GSP, I have to say I am very skeptical. Not to take anything away from Diaz, or Melendez who put on entertaining fights, I just question the quality of their competition.
mousasi and jardine could meet at MW?
@Russiandoeboi
After Mousasi captured the Dream LHW belt, he vacated it to move to LHW and eventually HW. HE has no desire to go back to MW.