My tactful, indisputably articulate summary of Strikeforce’s second Showtime event: 16 years after UFC 1, and Gracie Jiu-jitsu is still running sh-t.
Diaz -- who fought Scott Smith -- had his jaw tested against a younger, fresher middleweight than previous opponent Frank Shamrock, and he came out largely unscathed for the effort. He also became quite possibly the first non-video game character to land 200 punches in a three-round mixed martial arts fight. (I’ll consult with my statistician. Once someone hires me one.)
Shields looked tentative and nervous early, backing away from Robbie Lawler’s much-publicized power. But Lawler had no defense for a jump-in guillotine. Whether that’s indicative of Shields having a place at 185 is open to discussion, but at least he got by Lawler without suffering a blackout. Always a plus.
What’s next for the two winners? Obviously not each other. Good thing there are plenty of other people to punch.
Next for Diaz: The surly Stocktonite may balk at facing a fresh loser, but a rematch with Lawler -- whom he defeated by knockout in 2002 -- would be post-Fourth fireworks. If not, Benji Radach would give him a workout. Unfortunately, Diaz may have outgrown a rematch with KJ Noons.
Next for Shields: Whomever Diaz doesn’t want to fight. Have you noticed Strikeforce’s middleweight division has about four guys in it? It’s kind of a problem.
Next for Brett Rogers: Probably some swell endorsement deals. His knockout of Andrei Arlovski was unexpected, impressionable and sets up a title bout with Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem. If he succeeds there, then maybe a bout with Josh Barnett or another top-shelf heavyweight -- but please, no talk of Fedor Emelianenko for a long, long time.
Next for Phil Baroni: A body-fat percentage above four percent. Maybe then he could stop draining energy from major internal organs.