The Triangle Choke: Strikeforce Shamrock vs Diaz Preview
April 11, 2009 will represent an historic day in the world of Mixed Martial Arts as the sport returns to Showtime. The deal looked decimated only a few months ago as EliteXC shut it’s doors. EliteXC’s departure not only left Showtime without an MMA outlet but left many fighters out on the street. EliteXC still owned the contracts even though the company ceased to exist, as result; many named fighters were hopelessly waiting for an organization to purchase their contracts.
Strikeforce, unlike other UFC competitors, has managed to carve a niche and remain profitable. The organization has stayed in the California area putting quality shows together as they have partnered with the likes of both EliteXC and Affliction in past shows, and Strikeforce also airs past fights on NBC. Strikeforce, somewhat out of the blue, purchased a substantial amount of contracts from ProElite, Inc. and negotiated a deal with Showtime to get MMA back on the premium channel. Given Strikeforce’s ability to operate conservatively and understand their niche, they could be the first real competitor to the UFC.
It is an exciting time for MMA fans as the sport continues to grow in popularity. Shamrock vs Diaz is a major event worthy of the hype.
Scott Dryden’s break down the main card:
Brett Roger vs Abongo Humphrey
This will be a slugfest with two aggressive fighters slinging leather. Rogers has more notoriety and experience in MMA, fighting better competition but Abongo has plenty to prove and an attitude to back it up. Both fighters will carry showmanship to the cage (Abongo’s entrance says it all) and no doubt this will be an entertaining fight. Abongo is an explosive athlete but will be giving up considerable size to Rogers, possibly as much as 35 lbs. Brett’s experience and size will prove to be too much.
Prediction: Roger gets the win via KO due to strikes.
Cyborg Santos vs Hitomi Akano
Akano is a skilled technical fighter who is very dangerous on the ground. Santos is a powerhouse who brings intensity and uncanny strength for her size.
Prediction: Look for Santos to keep the fight in the stand up and unleash lethal strikes to get the victory early in the 2 nd via strikes. Cyborg’s win sets up what will be the biggest fight in the history of women’s MMA, Cyborg vs. Carano.
Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith vs Benji “Razor” Radach
A fight fan’s dream matchup. Both fighters love to throw the leather and each have a tremendous chin. On paper it is almost unfathomable that this fight even goes to the 2nd round, however, like most sports, MMA isn’t that easy to predict.
Prediction: Given both fighter’s skill level and ability in the stand up, the fight will go late into the 2 nd round with Razor pulling off the victory via referee stoppage due to strikes.
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CO Main Events:
Josh Thomson vs Gilbert Melendez
A rematch of a great fight back in 2008 for the lightweight title. The first fight went the distance with Thomson gaining the victory via a unanimous decision; this bout will be equally as exciting. Each fighter has only 2 losses on their resume and both are technically sound in all disciplines of MMA.
Prediction: A tremendous matchup with a title at stake is hard to beat. The bout will live up to the hype and will be an instant classic. Thomson proves why he is the champion again gaining the victory via a split decision.
Frank Shamrock vs Nick Diaz
Two of the biggest talkers the sport has ever known will square off at a catch weight of 179lbs. Shamrock is a legend in the sport and has never backed down from anyone. Frank is now 36 years old and in the last 6 years has only competed 5 times with a record of 3-2 in those contests, rust could be a factor. Shamrock showed immense courage and toughness in his last bout against Cung Le continuing to compete with a broken arm until the match was finally stopped. Frank will bring heart, intensity, bravado and striking skills to the cage. Diaz, the former UFC and Ultimate Fighter veteran, brings a 18-7 record to the contest with a 8-1-1 record over his last 10, the only loss via a controversial stoppage to KJ Noons. Diaz is only 25 years old but has the cage experience of a much older fighter. Diaz will bring the same swagger of Shamrock to the cage.
Prediction: This will be a highly entertaining fight, old school vs. new school. Each bringing extreme passion and energy to the cage. This is a big fight for Diaz possibly setting him up for a title within the new Strikeforce. For Shamrock, this may elongate his career and set him up for future main events. This is a tough fight to pick, Shamrock wins via a very close split decision.
By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Director of MMA Content