1. The rope-a-dope

Giving new meaning to a classic boxing term, Nick Diaz finds himself the star of Strikeforce. And he may also be the most entertaining fighter in all of MMA.

Using a high volume striking attack with relentless shots to the body, marijuana’s favorite poster boy did it again. Taking part in one of the best rounds MMA has ever seen, Diaz gave and took a beating. His chin was tested, his power showcased, but he came out on top. He smoked a very a tough Paul “Semtex” Daley, once again beating another lethal striker at their own game. And the man whose passion for fighting seems to be lacking, added more foundation to the legacy he is building and his bank account.

However, and it pains me to say this, Diaz is not an elite striker. His aggressive style is amazing and entertaining, but he constantly leaves himself open. When thinking of some of the best strikers in MMA or in general, it is often believed that one’s defense has to match their offense: both high level; the idea being to do as much damage possible while avoiding danger.

Diaz is not that type of fighter.

His mantra seems to be take one and give back three or four. His best defense is his solid chin, and its goal seems to be break anything that touches it. It’s risky as hell, but it’s been working so far. But chances are this type of striking will not succeed in boxing, and could ultimately leave Diaz plagued with ill long term effects.

With all that said, indestructible chin + inexhaustible cardio + solid boxing skills = top ten pound for pound fighter.

P.S. Mayhem Miller really dodged a bullet.

2. Melendez M.V.P.?

Yes.

There is no debating it. The most impressive fighter of Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley was Gilbert Melendez, who harnessed his inner Jon Jones and Shoguned a very game Tatsuya Kawajiri. Making a good fighter look like a “can” is something very few can do, but Melendez seems to be quite effective at it. After embarrassing Aoki, Melendez wrecked another Japanese legend. So, what’s next?

UFC.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Melendez needs to be abducted by Dana White. He has nothing left to prove in Strikeforce, unless they want him to fight heavyweights. In my book he is the number two or three lightweight in the world, and he deserves to prove it.

Please Zuffa, make it happen.

3. Something stinks. And it’s not M-1.

Something needs to be done with the officiating, scoring, and judging in MMA. I realize that fights for the most part are called correctly, but how on earth did Gegard Mousasi not get the win? He completely mauled Keith Jardine, and yes I know the point deduction did its part. But I think that was a bad move by the ref, especially since there was no warning issued first.

Then, based off the scoring, Gegard gets a draw. I was shocked and disappointed, it didn’t seem fair. Again, this could come down to scoring in general, but it really was pretty ridiculous. Jardine never threatened or attempted to finish Gegard. And he got a draw, it left me speechless. While Gegard spent the better parts of three rounds teeing off on Jardine’s head.

Someone please fix MMA scoring, thanks.

Then there was Cecil Peoples mucking things up again. I counted...