KJ Noons and Nick Diaz go on Collision Course; Paul Daley vs. Scott Smith announced for Dec. 4th

Following years of bad blood, Nick Diaz finally gets his rematch with KJ Noons. The Strikeforce Welterweight Champ will put his belt on the line against the talented boxer, who already holds a win over him, due to doctors stoppage. Both fighters will get a chance to settle old scores, in one of the promotions most anticipated bouts to date.

KJ Noons compared the bout against Nick Diaz (who did not show up) to football, during a Strikeforce: San Jose media call:

"Let me put it like this, for anyone that played any level of football, in high school or whatever. My game plan is to run it up the middle, try to stop me. That's it. That's how I fight every time. I'm coming right at you win or lose. Nick Diaz  is all over the place, to keep the football analogy going, he's out there running all these crazy plays. We'll see who's strategy works best come October 9."

Also in Strikeforce, heavy-handed UFC and EliteXC veteran Paul "Semtex" Daley will make his Strikeforce debut against no other than Scott Smith. The fight is expected to take place on Strikeforce: St. Louis fight card, scheduled for the Scottrade Center in St Louis, Missouri. The event will be headlined by a Light Heavyweight contest between Renato "Babalu" Sobral and the legendary Dan "Hendo" Henderson.

Here's what Paul Daley  and Scott Smith had to say through the Strikeforce official Press Release:

Daley is an exciting British bomber and freelance mixed martial artist whose style is a mix of striking, striking and more striking. Smith is a superb Muay Thai striker with tremendous one-punch knockout power. Neither is accustomed to putting in a full night's work.

Combined, the fighters have 42 victories, but only five of those wins have come via decision, and all five belong to Daley. Smith, a pro since June 2001, has never been triumphant on points.

The world-ranked 5-foot-9, 27-year-old Daley scored a decision over Jorge Masvidal last Sept. 11. Prior to that, Daley's last victory on points came on July 1, 2006.

"I am a striker - there is no secret about that,'' said the brash-talking Daley, a winner of two in a row and six of his last seven. "I like to knock people out aggressively and quickly. That's my game and no opponent's going to change that. Almost all my fights are exciting and memorable with non-stop action.''

Daley, who has compiled a highlight reel of impressive knockout victories, has competed against some of the best since turning professional in June 2003. Three of his most significant victories came against Masvidal, a 2:24, first-round KO (punches) over Dustin Hazelett on Jan. 2, 2010, and a 2:31, first-round TKO (punches) over Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19, 2009.

"Everyone knows I detest decisions,'' said the soft-spoken six-foot-tall, 31-year-old Smith, a proven finisher known for dramatic, stirring comebacks. He's won all his fights by knockout or technical knockout - 12 in the first round.  The fight with Daley will mark Smith's first start at 170 pounds.

"Fans want action all the time and so do I. That's what I am all about.''