Keith Jardine steps up, agrees to face Gegard Mousasi at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley
by Tim Groves on April 01, 2011

Keith Jardine (17-9-1) has stepped in on short notice to take on Gegard Mousasi (30-3-1) next weekend at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. The news was announced on the Strikeforce Challengers card earlier tonight.

The bout will take place on Showtime next Saturday, April 9.

Mousasi was scheduled to take on Mike Kyle but a broken hand forced Kyle off of the card.

Jardine has righted the ship after a five fight losing streak that included defeats to Quinton Jackson and Thiago Silva. The Dean of Mean has since won two straight over Francisco France and Aron Lofton. Jardine originally appeared on the second season of The Ultimate Fighter. He became a staple of UFC shows until the promotion was forced to release him during his losing streak.

Mousasi has won 17 of his last 18 fights, including impressive victories over Sokoudjou, Ronaldo Souza and Hector Lombard. His lone loss during that time frame was in his first title defense as Strikeforce light heavyweight champion against Muhammed Lawal in April 2010. Mousasi has since rebounded with two straight victories.

Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley will feature two title fights on the card. Welterweight champion Nick Diaz will defend his belt against British striker Paul Daley and lightweight king Gilbert Melendez looks to beat Tatsuya Kawajiri for the second time to keep his title.

 |  (17) Comments snuff: Either this will get him back in the UFC or will get him killed. Greedydrunk: Jardine is going to get himself killed: 1. He is a stand up fighter who's best asset is his kicks and he is fighting a guy that is comfortable fighting K-1 kickboxers. 2. He has barely any notice and unless he started training again the second he finished the Lofton fight he is going to be out of shape. 3. He has a weak chin that he protects poorly and everyone knows it. The UFC announcers used to call it an "unorthodox stance" but it really amounts to a gift wrapped chin. 4. Last guy that beat Mousasi was a wrestler who just grinded out a victory, I dont see Jardine being able to do the same. Wandering_Minstrel: Sounds to me like Jardine needs a new manager. flyangler: Jardine will make this go to decision, but then lose in a close UD. Mousassi is overrated and in for a few beatings when the merger happens. Marker28: The ratio of short notice fight wins is probably not in Jardine's favor. If only Jardine would implement some lay and pray, that would be epic. The Hitman: Jardine just agreed to die. thug4less: Lol. Is it bad that I hope Jardine KO's Sasi in the first minute of the first round just to see the reaction? IwishIwasMMA: Jardine is hating life.
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
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