Strikeforce: 'Shamrock vs Diaz' recap and final thoughts
by James Iannotti on Apr 12, 2009 3:23 AM EDT
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The new-look Strikeforce made its live debut tonight with "Shamrock vs. Diaz" on the premium cable network Showtime from its favorite stomping grounds, the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The event marked the dawn of a new era for the promotion following the purchase of select ProElite assets earlier this year.
Here's how it all went down.
In the main event, the Cesar Gracie-trained jiu-jitsu black belt Nick Diaz avenged his mentor's knockout loss to Frank Shamrock by defeating "The Legend" with a second round technical knockout via strikes.
There was plenty of smack talk leading up to and during the fight. Diaz taunted Shamrock throughout the entire affair, talking to him and waving his hands in the air. But afterwards a suddenly classy and respectful Diaz helped his beaten foe to his feet, even raising his hand in admiration.
Diaz had moved up in weight to take this bout at a catchweight of 179 pounds, but he clearly had the size advantage inside the cage. In the end, it was the length and reach advantage that Shamrock had no answer for.
After such a dominating performance (and the fact that Cung Le only fights once every two years), Nick Diaz may now be the new face of Strikeforce after usurping the throne from the aging Shamrock.
In the evening's first contest, former EliteXC heavyweight standout Brett Rogers remained undefeated with a second round technical knockout win over BET's "Iron Ring" reality contestant Ron Humphrey in a fairly one-sided beatdown.
"The Grim" was taken past the first round for the first time in his career by a resilient Humphrey, but he still might have registered his most impressive performance to date as a professional fighter. Instead of his usual all out power style, Rogers showed a technical side to his striking that we haven't seen from him before.
And his takedown defense was solid as well.
Clearly the time away from action (and all those spare tires at Sam's Club) have done him some good. He's a very dangerous heavyweight for Strikeforce. Perhaps a match with Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, who was in attendance, is on the horizon?
Up next was the lone female fight on the card. Brazilian powerhouse Cristiane Santos, who came into the fight well over the 145 pound weight limit, dominated her Japanese opponent. "Cyborg" ended up scoring a third round knockout victory over a very tough, yet outmatched Hitomi Akano.
Gina Carano was cage side and getting plenty of camera time as well. Strikeforce did a nice job with the foreshadowing -- hopefully we're not too far off from our chance to finally see those two get it on (so to speak).
Scott Smith was part of a show-stealing fight once again as he and Benji Radach engaged in an all out war in which both fighters seemed to be on the edge of defeat more than once. In the end it was "Hands of Steel," more than likely behind on the scorecards going into the final round, who finally brought an end to the epic battle by knocking "Razor" out with a late overhand right.
It was truly a fight for the ages.
Rodrigo Damm stepped in for an injured lightweight champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson on less than two weeks notice to face ex-champ Gilbert Melendez -- and found out why that's usually not such a good idea.
The replacement fighter spent the majority of the first round on his back, eating violent strikes to the head and body and it wasn't long into the second round before he was overwhelmed by a storming "El Nino."
The Gracie jiu-jitsu purple belt was crowned the interim Strikeforce lightweight champion with the win, but he was having none of that, making sure after the match that everyone knew Josh Thomson was still the real champ.
Here are the full results for Strikeforce: "Shamrock vs. Diaz":
Main Card:
Nick Diaz defeats Frank Shamrock via technical knockout (strikes) at 3:57 of round two
Gilbert Melendez defeats Rodrigo Damm via knockout (punch) at 2:02 of round two
Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith defeats Benji "Razor" Radach via knockout (punch) at 3:24 of round three
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos defeats Hitomi Akano via knockout (strikes) at 0:35 of round three
Brett "The Grim" Rogers defeats Ron "Abongo" Humphrey via technical knockout (strikes) at 1:38 of round two
Under Card:
Luke Rockhold via Buck Meredith via submission (side choke) at 4:07 of round one
Eric Lawson defeats Waylon Kennel via technical knockout (strikes) at 4:54 of round one
Raul Castillo defeats Brandon Michaels via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:45 of round one
James Terry defeats Zak Bucia via unanimous decision
Shingo Kohara defeats Jeremy Tavares via knockout (knee) at 0:04 of round two
Up next for the San Jose-based organization is a trip to the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 6 for an absolute blockbuster of an event featuring a middleweight match up between former EliteXC champions Jake Shields and "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler.
In the meantime, the promotion will roll out it's "Challenger Series" on Showtime at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., on May 15. Hawaiian Mike Aina will challenge undefeated five fight Strikeforce veteran Billy Evangelista in the main event. Kim Couture will also be in action against Miesha Tate.
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man I would feel bad right now if I was frank after saying diaz hit like a girl then lose to him by technical knockout
by PeeWee on Apr 12, 2009 3:30 AM EDT reply actions
Wow, that was a great event! First off, some of you personally attacked me for adamantly saying Diaz would win easily. Well, another great (underdog) prediction. Also, I got called out for saying he was hyping the fight. Anyone who knows anything about mma, and has seen Nick fight in Japan realize what respect he has for the sport and his opponents! Anyways, I think welter weight is a great weight for Nick, and truly think he and GSP would be an amazing fight! Go ahead, start making fun again! This was the best Nick Diaz we’ve seen in a long time. His unorthodox punching was crisp and very quick, and believe it or not are powerful.
I’m still not 100% sold on Grim. He doesn’t stand a chance against Overeem.
Cyborg will beat Gina, but they need to make that match at 150-155, that way they both make weight.
Scott Smitt and Benji Radich was an amazing fight. I don’t know how he pulls those wins off, and with 1:20 left in the first, after he was dropped, he wasn’t seeing the punches coming. Watch, for 25 seconds, he doesn’t defend himself.
Melendez looked good. If they were on the ground, not against the cage in the first, I think it may have been a different outcome.
Overall, I was very pleased, 5 great fights and strikeforce keeps the action going. I would like to see elbows on the ground (if I had to change one thing).
last thing, for those who didn’t see, click my name for some great weigh in pics I took form the first row!
by kevin on Apr 12, 2009 3:35 AM EDT reply actions
His punching was lacklustre.
Shamrock looked really bad.
GSP would KO Diaz very quickly with GnP and then flip him upside down and mop the floor with him.
A decent card full of second-rate fighters and fights.
by Adam on Apr 12, 2009 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions
GOod post! i completely agree! I was one of the few people all week that were POSITIVE that Diaz was going to win this fight. In my eyes, it was an easy pick. It was a real fighter vs. a Klown! Easy match up if you ask me. When are all you fans going to relaize that Shammy is all HYPE? afgter last night, Shammy fell to 4-3 in the past Decade (since the Tito fight in 1999). The 3 fights he lost to were against good fighters…The 4 fighst he won were against Cans like Elvis Sinosic or ceaser Gracie.
Diaz doesnt always look that great but Im going to tell you why. Diaz fights Down to the level of competition. Match him up against a Can, and he doesnt steamroll to a win, he usually looks like crap when fighting a nobody…..But When you match up Nick against a stud…Nick gets hype and always RISES to the Occasion. Nick is game, but it takes a big fight to motivate him.
Like Kevin said, Nick showed his classy side last night which is usually reserved for the Japanese Crowd. Nick is a lot smarter then people give him credit for.
That was such an easy fight to pick it wasnt even funny! I got Paid last NIGHT!!! Only fight I picked wrong was the Radach fight!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions
i had diaz knew his reach and boxing would be too much for shammy
by Jared on Apr 12, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I just didn’t think Diaz had it in him. His consistently downhill performances in his past 4 fights added with his lack of wrestling- i figured shammy would win the UD. But i was wrong, i gotta admit that diaz impressed me especially when he ripped his guts out with that body shot. Dana might give him a shot in the UFC now that he smashed lil shammy for him.
by NameNotRequired on Apr 12, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I was impressed with Grim. His Clinch game looked really good, when he wasnt getting tangled with the dudes dreads. I honestly dont think Grim was trying to grab his hair…but whatever. His opponent was tough as nails. If that guy gets in a good camp and cuts down to 205…he may be able to make some noise down the line….He is definitely a tough guy….now he just needs to improve his skills!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions
El Nino, was a very easy fight to pick! Damn is a submission guy, and Gilbert trains with Jits wizards like the Diaz brothers and Sheilds on a daily basis….I knew that there was nothing Damn could present that Gilbert hasnt dealt with on a daily basis. Easy MOney!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Benji vs. smith was the only fight I picked wrong and lost money on. I thought that Smith’s lack of defense would be the difference….and it actually was…but Scott’s Iron chin bailed him out yet again! Im pissed because midway through the 2nd round…I really had to go take a crap…i was having stomach pains and I couldnt hold it anymore so I actually missed the 2nd half of the fight while I was in the bathroom….so I missed out on what I hear was an epic battle!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Im sick of watching Gina and Cyborg pick on outclassed chicks! Cyborg and Gina should just fight each other once every 6 months!
I will say, If that Japanese chic would have pulled off that Flying arm bar…I would have went insane and it would have become an instant classic! I wonder how much more money the Japanese chick got out of strikeforce for finally taking the fight.
by john on Apr 12, 2009 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Just watched a post fight interview backstage with GRIM. Very happy to hear that for his next fight, he really wants a jump in competition. He mentioned wanting to fight Alistar for the title, but if he cant get his title shot yet, then he wants wErdum!
Cant wait to see exactly what Grim is made of, and matching him against Werdum or Alistar will show us exactly what level he is at right now. I think he is a stud, but we wont know for sure until he fights top dogs!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t watch the fights live but when i saw the cyborg fight, i just forwarded through first 8 minutes because it was just disgusting. This makes women MMA look as bad as Couture-Kvokov. Hitomi’s manager probly got her a couple of guaranteed fights and maybe a way in for a couple of other people from their gym. I wish they have stood by their principles but these girls in japan fights for super $hit money even in the big women’s leagues and they’re not really considered as real fighters.
by NameNotRequired on Apr 12, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL @ Diaz vs GSP.Diaz lost to K.J Noons and fucking Joe Riggs
by Del Boy on Apr 12, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t agree that Diaz would beat GSP but this is your best argument? GSP lost to Matt Sera,
by Mike on Apr 12, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
As soon as I saw the body punch I knew it was all over! Good fight!
by TheEder on Apr 12, 2009 3:36 AM EDT reply actions
good fight??? where? when? not the Sham-Diaz fight. (IMO)
the best fight by far was Benji-Smith and Smith got VERY lucky! (IMO)
by Gweedo on Apr 12, 2009 3:39 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t know if it was just me,but damn! Frank Shame-got-rock look f..king slow tonight.I think that Diaz is becoming a real top 10 contender whit is wins over Gomi/Lawler and this one.Melendez looks good against a can,wow what a surprise.It would have been great to see thompson in attendance to see is reaction.As for hands of steel,i was the only one in my group who bet on him so,i am freaking glad he got me 300 bucks tonight(should have ask John to bet whit him).Radach was really impressive this guy is no joke,dough it look like he could finish the fight a few time,but we all know what happen when you rush on a wounded Smith.Props to him that was a great fight.On the other end,it was ridiculous to see Santos rag doll her opponent like she did.Weight class need to be establish for good for women ,i have been in many judo tournaments and i never seen somebody being put on their back like that whit only one arm(second judo throw attempt by Akano).Also good to see big John back in the game.
by Alpha Male 360 on Apr 12, 2009 3:46 AM EDT reply actions
Earlier this week I promised you that Diaz was going to finish Frank!
I have to admit, I thought it would be by submission….but watching Frank get pounded out was just GREAT to see!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea tha Radach-Smith fight was definitely tha best one tonite, that was a straight war and lived up to tha hype! Gweedo, Smith didn’t get very lucky, he found tha opening he was lookin for and capitalized on it, plus he has very heavy hands so that also helps. Shammy got destroyed tonite, he looked so one dimensional and old, it was horrible.
by Mike-C on Apr 12, 2009 4:04 AM EDT reply actions
yeah for shame Frank. But damn Scott Smith is exciting, win or lose I’m becoming a big fan.
by theCloser on Apr 12, 2009 4:55 AM EDT reply actions
I was at the event. One of the big highlights of the event was Babalu talking smack to Tito Ortiz…..serious face to face smack…afterwards when they were introducing the fighters during the live broadcast, after introducing tito, they introduced babalu and he immediately stood up and flipped tito off……..hilarious.
by mando on Apr 12, 2009 5:41 AM EDT reply actions
I love it! Tito needs to get in the cage and let Babalu Choke his Ass out!
All the hate on Nick and it is all just part of the show. He sells his fights. That is what all the smack talk is about. This is the best Nick Diaz we have seen and he looks great at that weight. He could be some real trouble for the big names.
by Da Monkey on Apr 12, 2009 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Babalu is the F’in Man! I hope he taunts Biatch-made Tito for the rest of his life until that coward gets the ballz to get in the cage with Babz!!!!
THanks for the heads up, I missed that part during the broadcast….Did they air it, or did you happen to catch it cause you were there live/?
by john on Apr 12, 2009 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions
i seriously doubt babalu would beat ortiz. Come on now. You all talk about Ortiz like he is some bum. He went to a draw with evans, fought a good fight against Machida, and a great fight with Chuck. Until he loses convincingly to an average opponent then I will say he is truly finished.
by elstiko on Apr 12, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
This won’t matter. Feijao aka the truth is gonna first smash babz and then Ortiz.
by NameNotRequired on Apr 12, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
YOu thought TIto fought good against Machida? Prior to the last minute desperation Triangle choke…Tito managed to actually hit Machida aboput twice in 15 minutes of action. Pretty convincing loss if you ask me!
Babz will rip his heart out!
by john on Apr 12, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
no john, just stop it.. Tito beats Babalu any day of the week, he’s too big and has always been the better of the two.. easy to fight and hit someone like Machida when all he does is running away, Tito’s movement wasn’t exactly the best with his back
by RoB on Apr 12, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
wow
that’s what they call an over reaction.
you know what they say about people with such passionate hatred….
by Katch22 on Apr 12, 2009 7:55 AM EDT reply actions
Melendez is not a black belt as mentioned in the article, he is rather a purple one.
by Messi on Apr 12, 2009 8:26 AM EDT reply actions
I really hope Carano smashes the crap out of Cyborg. I know we make much about Gina not making weight but she made it last time and at least tried to before. That fight last night was a joke. Cyborg never even tried to make weight.
by RobH86 on Apr 12, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions
That Cyborg Santos guy looked pretty though.
It’s a shame that they put him with a small Japanese dude.
They were also wearing some weird shirts. :O
by Natas on Apr 12, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions
Great event last night, I’m glad I got it, it definitely was entertaining.
Grim looked good, he may need to work on his cardio as it did look like he was slowing down a bit by the end. That is if he wants to be able to win against bigger opponents in the later rounds. Still a good fight.
The chick fight was painful to watch. Akano should not have even been in a ring with that dude, Cyborg had an easy 15 pounds on her if not more. Big mismatch, but I jumped out of my seat when Akano tried that flying armbar. Having the camera move to Gina every minute or so didn’t hurt though. I was not overly impressed by Cyborg but damn Gina didn’t look too excited to have to fight her.
The Smith Radach fight definitely made the card worth it, best fight I have seen in a while. Smith’s got some tough will and a chin of steel for sure. Much respect to both of them for battling it out. Smith was definitely seeing stars a few times in that fight.
Melendez fight was an obvious mismatch, and it showed as Damm got molested. And the main event, it was at least somewhat entertaining with Diaz chirping Frank throughout the fight. You could tell how frustrated Frank was getting and it was just a matter of time. Good fight for Diaz and hopefully his next fight will be another big one.
Overall the production was kind of lackluster I think, but in the end its the fights that I paid for not just the show aspect. It sucked that we didn’t get to see any of the undercard fights as the whole card ended in stoppages, plus I wouldnt have minded seeing Shingo Kohara defeats Jeremy Tavares via knockout (knee) at 0:04 of round two, that sounds pretty badass.
The reffing I think was great, they let the fighters have an ample amount of time and they didn’t end the fights early. It would have sucked to have the Smith Radach fight called early.
Either way, looking forward to UFC 97 next weekend :D
by Reether on Apr 12, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions
I agree with the reffing, especially in the smith/radach fight. it could have justifiably been stopped a few times, but they were given time to recover!
good post!
by kevin on Apr 12, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t catch the fight live but from all I’ve heard and watching four of the fights later on, it was a great show. I was impressed with the attendance, too.
by ShitleTot.com on Apr 13, 2009 3:12 AM EDT reply actions
Excuse me! Nick diaz getting knocked out by gsp.Dude you must hate nick and really dont grasp the concept of mma.Nick is one of the best technical fighters in the world.Im not saying that nick diaz would not get beat by gsp or nick beating gsp.you must be a kid. evaluate a fight between nick and gsp or excuse me ask a expert to evaluate the fight for you jizz hole.It would be a nice fight with maybe a slight chance to nick because of his overall game.
by tom mandich on Apr 17, 2009 1:56 AM EDT reply actions
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