Nick Diaz took the welterweight belt. Photo: Esther Lin
Two title challenges shook up the latest Strikeforce event, January 30th in Miami. Nick Diaz and Cris Cyborg were the victors.
Nick Diaz headlined the event against Marius Zaromskis, who he TKO’d to secure the vacant welterweight title. When asked whom he should face next at the post-event press-conference, he fired back:
“I want Georges St.-Pierre. I see no other option after winning the belt. I want to fight the best, against the one everyone says is the best,” Diaz challenged, staring straight at the divisional champion of the UFC, Strikeforce’s main competitor in the U.S.
Less convincing, at least in her remarks, was Cristiane Cyborg, after making it to her ninth-straight win against Marloes Coenen.
“I’m really happy to show the world what I do once again. My plan was to return home with the belt! I think the fight was good. Coenen is a good opponent and I’m happy. It took five rounds to decide it. I always look for the knockout and I’m very happy to have finished in the third round,” she said.
“I leave my next fight in the hands of Scott (Coker, head of the organization) and my manager, but I’ll fight any one,” said the Brazilian in finishing.