Strikeforce: Diaz Vs. Noons II Previewish

Welterweight Title Fight
Nick Diaz (22-7-0-1) vs. K.J. Noons (9-1)
Diaz and Noons faced off almost exactly three years ago with Noons winning by doctor stoppage. That was at 160 pounds. Tomorrow they’re fighting at 170 where Diaz seems to be more comfortable. This is cut and dry. Noons is a professional boxer and he will probably pick Diaz apart on their feet again. Diaz is probably going to have to get this one to the ground. Simple enough, but in their first fight Noons stuffed almost all of Diaz’s takedown attempts. It’ll be interesting to see how this one goes at the heavier weight.

Here’s the first fight.

Women’s Welterweight Championship
Champion Sarah Kaufman (12-0) vs. Marloes Coenen (17-4)
First of all, thank you for putting this on an official Strikeforce card. Sure, this is another title fight that won’t be headlining an event, but at least its not at a Challengers event. Kaufman last fought in July against Roxy Mondaferri. That fight ended with a pretty sweet slam KO. (Video below) Coenen is coming off a loss and has dropped 2 out of 3 – though loses to Cyborg Santos should not count. Most of Coenen’s wins have come via submission, so she’ll probably want to get it on the ground and not let Kaufman pick her up again.

Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (15-3-1-1) vs. Josh Thomson (17-3-0-1)
Cavalcante has gone through a rough stretch over the last couple years, but is coming off a win in July. He’ll be making his Strikeforce debut against former Strikeforce lightweight champion, Josh Thomson. Thompson’s standing in the lightweight ranks is up for debate. His last two loses were to Gilbert Melendez, the current Strikeforce champ and Clay Guida who is one of the gate-keepers in the UFC at lightweight. Those loses were three years apart. Thomson by something.

Andre Galvao (5-1)vs. Tyron Woodley (6-0)
This fight is between two of Strikeforce’s top prospects. Woodley has garnered special attention for his collegiate background wrestling at Missouri. He’s young, submits people… I’m honestly excited to finally see him on the main card of a real show. Hopefully, Strikeforce can be successful in actually making him a star.

PRELIMINARY CARD
Bret Bergmark vs. James Terry
Ron Keslar vs. Eric Lawson
Jess Bouscal vs. Luis Mendoza