Strikeforce: Diaz versus Daley was a great night of fights. Team Cesar Gracie established themselves as possibly the team to beat in MMA and fans were presented with a number of big matchups. With Zuffa’s purchase of Strikeforce, one has to wonder about “what if” matchups of today’s surging names. While things may stay “business as usual” for the time being, here are a few ideas of how to build from Saturday night’s great event:
Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine
With nine days notice, Jardine almost pulled off a major upset. Yes, Mousasi was docked a point for an illegal upkick, but I’m willing to bet that his corner was a little nervous as the scorecards were announced. One has to wonder how well Jardine would have done against the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion if he had a full training camp to prepare. Jardine walked out of the cage bloody and exhausted, however he may have just found a way to weasel back onto Zuffa’s payroll. If nothing else, matchmakers would know that an exciting fight would commence.
Gilbert Melendez vs. Jim Miller
The Strikeforce Lightweight champion demolished a very tough opponent in Tatsuya Kawajiri. He needed only 3:14 to do what very few have done to Kawajiri. During his post fight speech, Melendez stated that he’s the best fighter in the lightweight division and wants to prove it. If the Strikeforce roster was fully under the UFC banner I would match him against Jim Miller, who, in my opinion, should be the next contender to fight for the belt after UFC 130. However, that title opportunity will likely go to the winner of Pettis versus Guida. Regardless, Melendez versus Miller would be an action packed fight. On the feet the advantage would go to Melendez, but the ground would belong to Miller. Both fighters have strong wrestling backgrounds and takedowns would be tough to secure. I believe the winner of this fight would pose a very dangerous challenge to either Gray Maynard or Frankie Edgar.
Nick Diaz vs. Diego Sanchez
In 2005 Diaz and Sanchez put on a show that left fans standing on their feet. A lot has changed in the six years since; many believed it would be Sanchez who would be a champion, while Diaz would be floating around in near mediocrity. On Saturday night, Diaz defended his title for the third time when he dispatched Paul Daley in highlight reel fashion. His boxing is ever-improving, and the world knows that his BJJ abilities are always a viable threat. Sanchez versus Diaz II would be a tough battle anywhere it ended up, though I believe that both fighters would keep the battle on the feet to prove a point. Yes, Diaz had his problems when he was under the UFC banner the first time, but now he has such a huge following that it’s almost a necessary risk to have him on the roster. With so many “what if” factors surrounding GSP possibly moving to middleweight, and both Fitch and Penn claiming injury, the UFC needs another welterweight contender who the fans would love. This fight would produce such an individual.
Shinya Aoki vs. George Sotiropoulos
Aoki was long known for his grappling abilities. In Japan he would take someone down and crank on whatever limb was in his grasp with a reckless abandon. However, that aura was significantly damaged when he was dominated on the ground by Gilbert Melendez. On Saturday night he proved that his Jiu Jitsu is still up there with the best, as he used just 93 seconds to force Lyle Beerbohm to submit. Sotiropoulos is also well-versed in the ground game. While this fight wouldn’t be the stand up battle that mainstream MMA fans expect, it would be a grappling clinic that shows just how important the ground game is for any professional mixed martial artist.
