Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley Predictions

We haven't really intensively covered a Strikeforce event in a while, and now that they're under Zuffa, I think now is the time to take them more seriously. This is a great card to start.

Main Card:

Welterweight Championship: Nick Diaz (c) vs. Paul Daley
Lightweight Championship: Gilbert Melendez (c) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Light Heavyweight: Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine
Lightweight: Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm

Shawn's Predictions:
Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm: Aoki via Submission
Aoki is clearly trying to get this fight to the ground but every fight starts standing up. Beerbohm as the advantage on the feet, and I think this is his chance to prove he is a superior striker. Aoki will have to carefully pick his spots on the feet and look for the perfect chance to get Beerbohm to the ground in anyway, whether it be a takedown or pulling guard. Keep in mind that Beerbohm only has 17 fights while has 32. This will play an important factor in this fight. If this fight goes to the ground, I think Aoki will show his experience and easily lock up a submission, giving him the victory.

Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine: Mousasi via KO
After Mike Kyle announced he had to withdraw from this bout with an injury, brave UFC veteran Keith Jardine stepped in to take his place. Jardine is known for his unorthodox striking and his weird run in the UFC. He beat guys like Liddell, Griffin, and Brandon Vera, but loses to guys like Houston Alexander, but he is now on a two fight win streak. Mousasi is also on a two win streak and is making another run at the title. Mousasi's stand-up is some of the best in the division and I think Jardine is going to have a lot of trouble with this. Jardine might go for takedows, but I think Mousasi will prevent this with strikes and kicks to the legs/body. Mousasi will be much more technical and will pick his spots at the perfect time, catching Jardine on the feet and probably knock him down many times, eventually scoring a clean knockout or TKO.

Gilbert Melendez (c) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri: Melendez via Decision
This is a rematch between these two fighters and is now for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship. In their first fight back in Pride, Melendez won via unanimous decision. Now, Kawajiri is trying to prove he is a better fighter than he was in '06 as he will attempt to take the strap from Melendez. Both are tough, resilient, and willing to stand toe to toe. I think Melendez's stand up is superior to Kawajiri's and I think this will be a significant factor in this matchup. Expect Melendez to push the pace, use his striking to find takedowns, and wear down the tough Kawajiri to win a decision victory

Nick Diaz (c) vs. Paul Daley: Diaz via Submission
There is no hiding Paul Daley's mission in this fight, to knock the fuck out of Nick Diaz. It doesn't matter who you are, but to stand and trade with Paul Daley isn't very smart. Just ask Scott Smith. The thing that is interesting about this fight is the fact that Nick Diaz might be fuckin' nuts enough to actually do it. Every fight starts standing, so Diaz's goal should be to get this to the ground, while Daley's should be to keep it up. This fight has the potential to be fireworks, only if Diaz doesn't sit on Daley for 5 rounds, which I don't think is his intention. If it is, be ready to get cheap-shotted after the bell like our buddy Koscheck. I think the main factor in this fight will once again be the fact that Paul Daley is not well-rounded. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Daley knock the fuckin' piss out of Diaz, but Diaz is too experienced and too well-rounded for Daley. Diaz will have to carefully close the distance and work for a takedown and eventually the fight will get to the ground. When it happens, expect Diaz to punish Daley with shots and until Daley unwillingly gives Diaz one of his limbs. I'm going with Diaz by submission of his choice.

Vinny's Predictions:
Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm: Aoki via Decision
Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine: Mousasi via KO
Gilbert Melendez (c) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri: Kawajiri via Decision
Nick Diaz (c) vs. Paul Daley: Daley va KO


*Vinny's Side Prediction: Diaz vs. Daley will end in a No Contest or DQ, via Daley hitting Diaz after the bell and Diaz being drug tested and testing positive for THC in his system. (If Vinny gets this correct, he wins the entire contest)