Strikeforce Diaz vs. Daley: 5 Burning Questions Heading into the Event

The first big time Strikeforce event under Zuffa is being held this weekend, and the card is stacked with former UFC contenders, Japanese superstars and a couple of highly regarded prospects.

Oh, and I guess the two title fights are important too. 

There is plenty to be excited about this weekend but, as always, questions will be answered other than "Who will win?"

Here are some questions that just missed the cut:

• Is 'Fancy Pants' the best nickname in MMA?

• Is Keith Jardine a contender in Strikeforce?

• Can Tatsuya Kawajiri finally defeat an elite fighter?

And my personal favorite:

• Will Nick Diaz pass the post-fight drug test? (Kidding, kidding)

Here are the 5 biggest questions heading into Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley.

5. Is Shinya Aoki Still a Top 5 Lightweight?

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HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 17: Dream 155-Pound Champion Shinya 'Tobikan Judan' Aoki attends the CBS' Strikeforce MMA Fighters Open Media Workout on March 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

Almost a year ago to date, Shinya Aoki competed for the first time in Strikeforce, losing a lopsided five rounds to 155-pound champion, Gilbert Melendez. 

Prior to the match up, Aoki was considered to be one of the top three lightweights in the sport along with BJ Penn and then newly-crowned champion, Frankie Edgar.

But after his abysmal performance against Melendez, Aoki saw his stock drop dramatically.  Although he is currently riding a three-fight win streak, he recently was knocked out in embarrassing fashion during an exhibition bout.

A win over a top prospect like Lyle Beerbohm will do wonders for his credibility and move him a step closer to getting another shot at Melendez.

4. Will Gegard Mousasi Finally Get the Respect He Deserves?

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HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 17: Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard 'The Dreamcatcher' Mousasi attends the CBS' Strikeforce MMA Fighters Open Media Workout on March 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

Gegard Mousasi has been a favorite of MMA fans for years now, but due to fighting in smaller promotions he remains largely unknown to the casual fan. He has a huge opportunity to change that this weekend.

Mousasi's original opponent, Mike Kyle, was forced out of the fight with an injury, but UFC veteran Keith Jardine agreed to step in on just two weeks notice.

The change may have worked in Mousasi's favor, as Jardine has a suspect chin and a much bigger name.

ESPN has been showing more and more MMA, and a knockout win over a well-known fighter could get Mousasi exposure on shows like Sportscenter and Sports Nation, and force the world to take notice of one of the best 205-pound fighters in the sport.

3. Is Gilbert Melendez the Best Lightweight in the World?

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HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 17: Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion Gilbert 'El Nino' Melendez (L) and attend the CBS' Strikeforce MMA Fighters Open Media Workout on March 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

A few months ago, this question wouldn't even be a debate.  But after UFC champ Frankie Edgar fought to a draw with Gray Maynard on New Years Day, and Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez failed to put away Pat Curran last weekend at Bellator 39, Melendez could make his way to the top of many rankings with a dominant performance on Saturday.

Melendez hasn't lost in almost three years and has avenged both of his career losses, along with decision wins over Shinya Aoki and Josh Thompson. 

No one currently stands out as the top guy at 155-pounds, but a fifth straight win for the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu talent could make him that guy.

2. Will Paul Daley Make Weight for His Welterweight Title Fight?

While making weight is a formality for most fighters, Paul Daley has struggled to make the 170-pound limit in the past. 

Daley has missed weight in three of his last six fights, including a BAMMA title fight a month and a half ago.

Obviously a stacked card will lose a ton of its luster if the main event is changed to a non-title fight.

This is something to keep an eye on leading up to Friday's weigh ins. 

1. Will Nick Diaz Take the Fight to the Ground?

We all know that Nick Diaz would be insane not to take the fight to the mat. The question is, is he smart enough to do it?

The Welterweight champ has shown a willingness to stand and trade as of late, choosing to stand and bang with talented strikers like KJ Noons and Evangelista Santos. And while Diaz may be the better technical striker, Daley has unbelievable power and 20 of his 27 wins have come via knockout.

Daley's weakness has always been his Jiu-Jitsu, and Diaz is a Cesar Gracie black belt who is exceptional on the mat. 

I'd like to think that Diaz will come into the fight with the correct game plan and stick to it, but his talent may only be exceeded by his ego, and he could try to prove a point and trade with the Brit.

The Diaz brothers are known for their ablilty to take a punch—we'll see if there is a limit on Saturday night.