The eight fighters who will compete on the Strikeforce; Diaz vs. Cyborg main fight card this Saturday, and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker participated Thursday in a final press conference for the eagerly awaited event at HP Pavilion.

Saturday's event will be highlighted by a Strikeforce championship doubleheader as welterweight champion Nick Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) will seek his ninth consecutive victory when he makes his second title defense against Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in the main event.

Then middleweight Champion "Jacare" Souza (13-2, 1 NC) will put his belt on the line for the first time against hard-hitting, former two-time Strikeforce champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (18-6, 1 NC) in the co-feature.

Former NFL star Herschel Walker (1-0) will return to the cage to face Scott Carson (4-1) in a heavyweight bout and undefeated Roger Gracie (3-0), the latest prospect from MMA's first family, will battle former South African national wrestling champion Trevor Prangley (23-6-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

The first non-televised, undercard fight on Saturday begins at 4:30 p.m. PT.

What the fighters had to say:

Nick Diaz:

"I feel good and I'm ready to fight. Cyborg has a unique style and I know that he will give it his all and be as crazy as ever. But that's good because I'm crazy, too.

"I have great respect for Cyborg. He is strong and has skills and comes real hard. I feel he deserves a shot.

"I think he was fighting guys too big when he was fighting at middleweight, but I might be too big for him too. Anything can happen in a fight, but I prepare for everything.''

Evangelista Cyborg:

"After 15 years of training and sacrificing, my dream is finally almost here. I am very excited at the chance to make my mark. I can promise you I will do my best to pull out the win.

"Nick Diaz is a very gallant fighter but I will press the action whether we are standing or on the ground.

"I am not worried about those who underestimate me in this fight. I am pre-occupied with winning.

"The belt always equals a build-up to your career, but first you have to win it. I feel strong and very comfortable at 170 and looking forward to a great fight against Nick Diaz.''

Jacare Souza:

"This is going to be a tough fight, and a very dangerous one. Robbie Lawler is very heavy-handed and I know to win I am going to have to play my game, which is to take him down and try and finish the fight.

"Some were surprised that I stood last time but Lawler is a different kind of fighter than I had in my last one. If I have to stand, I will, of course, but I know it is important that I keep control.

"I don't feel either of us think that we can afford to make a mistake.''

Robbie Lawler:

"I'm not looking ahead to anybody. I'm only looking ahead to Saturday's fight.

"I work on all my skills all the time. Guys are so good at this level. Make a mistake and it will cost you.''

Herschel Walker:

"The Herschel of today would have beaten up the Herschel of a year ago. I was dumb and naïve...