Diaz against Noons. Photo: Esther Lin
Saturday was fight night in San Jose, California, with the latest Strikeforce event. The evening’s main event was a welterweight title affair between Nick Diaz and KJ Noons, with the Cesar Gracie student successfully defending his belt.
“I knew I’d win the decision, but I’m kind of disappointed I didn’t end it in the first round. I’m a bit surprised because Noons took a lot of punishment. He has a good chin,” remarked Diaz.
The first time the two faced each other, in 2007, Diaz ended up losing to a wound, and the fight was interrupted. This time, again the fighter suffered a cut on his face, but he forged on. “I was worried about the cut, but my corner told me it was nothing serious,” he said.
Although he didn’t go as far as to complain about the decision from the judges who handed Nick the victory, Noons vented his desire to have a third fight. No problem: “I’m not opposed to a third fight with Noons, if he beats some more opponents. Anything the fans want is possible,” said Diaz in closing.
Josh Thomson beat Gesias Cavalcante in a hard-fought battle that many felt Gesias should have won.
“I probably could have fought a lot better, but JZ is really dangerous, one of the best in the world, and obviously, it was really important to me to win. I tried to play it safe,” said the fighter, who feels he deserved the win.
Marloes Coenen used her Jiu-Jitsu well and submitted Sarah Kaufman with an armbar to capture the female welterweight title. Her first title defense has already been defined, with Strikeforce GP winner Miesha Tate guaranteed a shot at the belt.
“Like I said before, winning a world title is something that can change my life,” she said in celebration.
Woodley versus Galvão. Photo: Esther Lin
Now Tyron Woodley didn’t give André Galvão room to breathe, winning the fight in the first round.
“I feel great. I knew I’d hurt him, but I wasn’t sure if he was faking or not. So I had to be patient. It’s a tremendous victory, but I really expected it to last the whole time,” stated Woodley.