LowKick.com Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley Predictions
Posted on April 8, 2011, 08:33 AM by Anton GurevichStrikeforce Welterweight Title: Nick Diaz (c) vs. Paul Daley
Top Prediction: Nick Diaz via Submission in Round 3
Joey Santosus: Logic says that Diaz will make the smart move here and capitalize on Daley's glaring weaknesses. With that said, when has Nick ever been a logical fighter? Paul Daley via 1st Rnd (T)KO.
Ryan Ventura: A classic clash of styles, this fight could be one for the ages! Nick Diaz is no Josh Koscheck and I don't expect him to take down Paul Daley at will. If Daley can keep it standing, he'll break Diaz' iron chin. Paul Daley, 2nd Round KO.
Anton Gurevich: Maybe it’s the lack of trash talk, but Nick Diaz looks slightly unmotivated for this one. Paul Daley is the most powerful striker in Welterweight division, with a proven ability to knock out anyone with one punch. I have a strong feeling that Nick Diaz will go down in Round 2.
Strikeforce Lightweight Title: Gilbert Melendez (c) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Top Prediction: Gilbert Melendez via Decision
Joey Santosus: Kawajiri looked impressive shutting down Josh Thomson in his latest bout, but I expect him to have a hard time adjusting to the cage Saturday. Furthermore, Melendez has become a much more dynamic fighter since defeating Kawajiri in 2006, something I can't say with much confidence about his Japanese counterpart. Gilbert Melendez via Unanimous Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Gilbert Melendez in my opinion is THE number one Lightweight in the world. A combination of his wrestling and stand up make him a threat for everyone. However, Tatsuya Kawajiri shocked the world and made easy work of Josh Thomson. I think he could do the same to El Nino. Tatsuya Kawajiri via Decision.
Anton Gurevich: I think ring rust might be an issue for Melendez, but still, it’s a little bit hard to pick against one of the best Lightweights in the World. Melendez is a well-rounded fighter, and I’m quite confident he’ll have answer for everything Kawajiri prepares for him. Melendez via Decision. 
Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine
Top Prediction: Mousasi via TKO in Round 2
Joey Santosus: Tough break here for Jardine. He finally gets another shot at the big stage and its against Mousasi. In the days leading up the fight, "The Dean of Mean" has talked about starting aggressive and pushing the pace. If he's sincere, this shouldn't end well the Jackson's MMA product. Gegard Mousasi via 1st Rnd (T)KO.
Ryan Ventura: Keith Jardine is taking this fight last minute against Gegard Mousasi. This fight will be a stand up battle and Mousasi's K-1 Caliber striking will be too much for The Dean of Mean. Gegard Mousasi, 1st TKO.
Anton Gurevich: Jardine is a veteran of this sport, and a great fighter. But still, in my opinion Gegard Mousasi is simply a better fighter. It will be a great striking battle with Gegard Mousasi getting a finish in Round 3.
Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm
Top Prediction: Aoki via Submission in Round 1
Joey Santosus: There's potential for an upset here. Aoki hasn't looked great as of late and Beerbohm has a lot to prove coming off his first loss. It’s a tough pick, but for the sake of JMMA, let’s hope Aoki pulls it off. Shinya Aoki via 2nd Rnd Submission.
Ryan Ventura: Shinya Aoki will not repeat his performance in his last Strikeforce appearance. I expect a motivated Tobikan Judan to bring his A game against Lyle Beerbohm. Shinya Aoki, 1st Round Submission.
Anton Gurevich: It’s hard to picture Shinya Aoki losing this fight. Following the embarrassment at the New Year’s Eve in Japan, Aoki owes a victory to himself and to his fans. He has to win this fight. Baka Survivor via Sub in Round 1.
Photos: Esther Lin for STRIKEFORCE
Comments
i dont see Diaz winning this, he has the potential to but Daley with have probably worked on his wrestling due to his already superior striking and Diaz will stand anyway so i see a vicious KO for Daley but with a hard fought fight
nah i dont think daley will have worked on his ground game at all he's so confident in his stand up. i see diaz taking a few good ones on the chin but i dont think daley with catch him. in all fairness i really cant make my mind up on this one. diaz is my all time fave fighter but i dont want either guy to lose.
I pick against Diaz every time , thinking that there is no way his strange pitter patter striking can work against the opponents he has faced. I'm 0 -6 since the Shamrock fight.
Don't want to jinx him , so i picked Daley to win , and i'll laugh and say "how the hell does he do that" when he wins on Sat night.
no way . diaz punches in bunches ! he wil break daley down mentally and than physically ! and if diaz needs too get it too the ground he will . i say diaz 2nd or 3rd tko .
Dont Believe the hype. Diaz is a gym rat, hes motivated to keep that strap and chase that long dollar while hes @ it! He will outwork and outclass Daley and then everyone will be riding Nicks "Kotel" again. Wish that being said its gonna be a sad sight to see come next month @ Ceaser Gracie's if Nick and Shields both come away with their first losses in awhile, Ya DiGG?!
Is it just me? but i've never noticed Scott coker during the staredowns.. is this Zuffa's influence
Coker is never in the staredown pics, he talked about it on Ariel's MMA hour why he doesn't.
while Diaz might be known for a combination of stubbornness/ego, i do think there isn't a hope Ceaser will allow him to stand. there's no way. this said, Diaz trains with Gil, who as he says, has excellent takedowns. he is seriously explosive and quick. he will convince daley he will trade with him, just long enough to catch him off guard with a takedown. from there on in, its Diaz all night in my opinion
Shout out to the lowkick staff for going out on a limb and picking against Diaz. It's a small limb but to me this could fight could end up a flash tko for Daley or Diaz can end up making Daley look horrible. Diaz' style tends to do that against some people. I just really hope Gegard and Shinya can get wins Saturday.
Nick Diaz is not Josh Koscheck...
It doesn't take a Josh Koscheck. Masvidal took the guy down. And with Diaz submission skills, once it hits the ground, it's over.
Paul Daley is a very good striker. So is Nick Diaz.
Neither of them are very good wrestlers.
Diaz is a great ground fighter. Daley is a poor ground fighter.
So yes, logic says Diaz will win the fight 9 times out of 10. Why pick against those odds?
i hope daley smashes that whiny redneck bastard
I like both Daley and Diaz equally as a fan, to be honest I can see Nasty Nick getting dropped, but this fight could go either way.
I see this fight going one way everyone keeps talking about Diaz having the advantage on the ground but I honestly don't think he'll get Daley down. Are people ignoring the fact he couldn't get KJ down when he tried to. He MIGHT be able to get him down if he pins up against the cage but I can see Daley avoiding that and smashing him. I also get the feeling Diaz won't even go for a takedown unless he gets hurt and by then it may be too late
Daley is a joke.... Not a real MMA fighter..One trick Pony...You all amateurs better recognized.... Nick wins this fight anywhere... By tomorrow night all the haters will give it a rest for awhile... Daley s(u)cks...
i agree with every thing you said .