Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley, Will Diaz Walk Out Still a Champion?

On Saturday night, we will see Nick Diaz in his toughest fight since fighting Takanori Gomi at Pride 33. He will take on the heavy-handed Paul Daley in a bout for the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship.

For this bout, we should expect an absolute war, but there are a few questions that must be answered before anyone can say what will actually take place.

Will Paul Daley Make Weight? 

Since dropping to welterweight, Daley has had trouble making weight. In his past 11 fights he hasn't made weight in five of them.

This is the biggest fight of his career; will he take it as serious as it really is? He better if he wants to be champion and prove that he is the best welterweight in Strikeforce.

Does a Quiet Camp Equal a Nervous Camp? 

Paul Daley has stated that the Gracie Camp has been quiet because they are nervous for this fight. Is it that, or is it maybe that they are taking this fight very seriously and want to prove that Nick is the best?

This is actually an interesting topic, because the Gracie Camp usually isn't the quietest camp. My take is that they have two huge world title fights in a four-week span and that the media is the last thing that they are worried about. But as said above, this is an interesting topic.

How Long Will This Fight Stay a Slugfest? 

Diaz is a fighter that loves to try to outdo his opponents in their area of strength. This fight may stay standing for a while, at least until either Daley lands a solid shot or Diaz decides he is ready to finish it on the ground.

Daley may have the heaviest hands that Diaz has faced in his whole career, but Diaz may be the most technical striker besides Martin Kampmann that Daley has faced. Both will land some good shots, but expect it to go to the ground after about three minutes and by the early second round at the latest.

So many different things could truly take place, but the most logical is Diaz winning by submission. Will Daley land the big shot early or pace himself? 

Diaz can really make a big statement with a dominating performance. His cardio is good and he knows how to pace himself. Expect fireworks early, with Paul Daley gassing out in the third round. Diaz will play it smart and land a few takedowns and punish Daley on the ground.

Many give Daley a big chance, but it is truly a puncher's chance. In a solid way, this could be the year of Paul Daley, but don't get your hopes up.

Expect one of two things: Nick Diaz wins via submission late second round, or Daley gasses and Diaz dominates him to a decision. But this is the world of MMA, so never count anyone out.