Strikeforce Diaz vs. Daley: Betting Odds and Predictions

Nick Diaz versus Paul Daley contains two championship fights to replace what the card was supposed to have. This card was suppose to feature the second half of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Fights like Alistair Overeem versus Fabricio Werdum and Josh Barnett versus Brett Rogers.

Now that those fights have been moved over, Diaz and Gilbert Melendez get to defend their titles and move up the MMA world rankings.

The odds are from bodog.com.

Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine

Gegard Mousasi (N/A, 30-3-1)

17 wins by knockout, 11 by submission, two by decision

Two losses by submission, one by decision

Keith Jardine (N/A, 17-9-1)

Eight wins by knockout, seven by decision, two by submission

Five losses by knockout, four by decision

Breakdown: This to me is a pretty easy pick. Mousasi is a great striker and Jardine won't be able to take Mousasi's strikes. Even down on the ground, Mousasi would hold an advantage. Jardine took this fight and has had some pretty shocking performances before. Jardine is on a two-fight winning streak but is also 2-5 in his last seven fights. Ouch.

Prediction: Mousasi by Round 1 TKO

Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm

Shinya Aoki (-225, 26-5, 1 NC)

16 wins by submission, seven by decision, two by disqualification, one by knockout

Three losses by knockout, two by decision

Lyle Beerbohm (+185, 16-1)

Seven wins by submission, seven by knockouts, two by decision

One loss by decision

Breakdown: This is a very tough fight for Aoki. Aoki is looking to make his way up the Strikeforce ladder to add another belt to his collection. In order to do this, Aoki will need to work the clinch game and get on top of Beerbohm to work for a submission, something Aoki is very good at. Aoki has 16 wins by way of submission. Beerbohm also needs to get on top and use his wrestling and work his ground and pound. It's a tough fight to pick the winner.

Prediction: Aoki by Round 2 submission

Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri

Gilbert Melendez (-265, 18-2)

10 wins by knockout, seven by decision, one by submission

Two losses by decision

Tatsuya Kawajiri (+205, 27-6-2)

12 wins by knockout, nine by decision, six by submission

Three losses by submission, two by decision, one by knockout

Breakdown: These two have previously fought before at Pride Shockwave 2006. The last time around Kawajiri lost by unanimous decision and Melendez has gone on to be one of the best lightweights in the world outside of the UFC. Melendez is a fantastic fighter and this fight will go back and forth. Both fighters are good at both ground and stand-up. Fight goes the same way as the first fight. Melendez is just too good to beat.

Prediction: Melendez by unanimous decision

Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley

Nick Diaz (-225, 24-7, 1 NC)

12 wins by knockout, eight by submission, four by decision

Five losses by decision, two by knockout

Paul Daley (+185, 27-9-2)

20 wins by knockout, five by decision, two by submission

Five losses by submission, three by decision, one by knockout

Breakdown: This fight could be a great stand-up battle. Daley has good knockout power that could send Diaz out early. Diaz isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone and could do the same against Daley. Diaz has a great tank and Daley really needs to bring his "A" game if he can't get the early knockout. If Diaz can survive the early onslaught, he will have this fight in the bag. Diaz has shown he can go the distance. Diaz will take this fight to the ground where he has an advantage over Daley and retain his welterweight belt and send Daley looking for another possible way back into the UFC.

Prediction: Diaz by Round 2 submission