Nick Diaz Uses Reach to Win Strikeforce Welterweight Title

Last night Strikeforce: Miami took place and the main event was a fight for the vacant welterweight title. “Whitemare” Marius Zaromskis (11-3) stepped inside the cage to fight “Diablo” Nick Diaz (21-8) in what was a highly anticipated match.

Marius became the DREAM welterweight champ after winning the 2009 welterweight Gran Prix and was looking to become the first fighter to hold titles in Japan and in the United States. The only thing standing between him and that distinction was a 5 inch reach advantage that Diaz had in his favor.

The fight was a wild one from the start with Zarmoskis running forward with a leaping kick. Then the punches came flying. Diaz and Marius trading back and forth.

Nick pushed Marius to the cage and began teeing off on his leg with knees. Once the broke, Marius unleashed a power shot that rocked Diaz, who ended up on the mat. Marius tried to finish him but looked uncomfortable on the mat.

Once back to the feet Diaz and his reach took over. Marius could not seem to get inside without eating many punched from Nick. Finally an obviously gassed and frustrated Zaromskis got caught with an uppercut.

Then a short right clipped Marius and down he went, more looking like he dropped from fatigue than from the punch. None the less Diaz jumped on him and finished the job with 22 seconds left in the round.

The normally brash Diaz seemed at a lost for words after the fight saying “I’m just ready to go home and eat”

Diaz is now 3-0 in Strikeforce and is on a six fight win streak. Will he be able to defend his title and keeping riding that “high”? Only time will tell.