This is the live blog for the Strikeforce matchup between Nick Diaz and Scott Smith, where we'll have live, round-by-round updates of the action. The live blog begins below.
Round one: Diaz early on sticks his chin out and welcomes Smith to hit him. Not a great idea, but he emerges unscathed from the invitation. Some clinch work against the cage, but neither man is able to land anything of note. Diaz loos sharp early with his striking. Diaz did it again and that time Smith tagged him with a right. WIth a minute left they trade in the center of the cage, Smith landing a hard leg kick and Diaz scoring with a hook. Diaz takes Smith down as the round ends.
Round two: Big combination from Diaz a minute into the round as Smith sits against the cage and takes one shot after another. Diaz is throwing punches at a machine-gun pace, with Smith just taking them. Not a good long-term strategy. Smith takes five to give one, but Diaz's punches are finding their mark and Smith's rarely do. Diaz's reach advantage is a big factor. Diaz pummels him a couple more times, and as the round ends, Smith is on the ground and needs to suck some air before getting up. Diaz threw over 200 punches in the round and Smith is not in good shape.
Round three: Smith tries to bump fists before the round but Diaz denies him. Might have angered Smith a little as he comes out throwing bombs. After a minute of trading, Smith looks tired, and slips down on the mat. Diaz follows him there, quickly takes his back, sinks in his hooks and sinks in the rear naked choke for the win.
Winner: Diaz via rear naked choke
Strikeforce Photos
Brett Rogers, right, drills Andrei Arlovski early in the first round during their match at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Brett Rogers celebrates his knockout win against Andrei Arlovski at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Jake Shields pulls off a guillotine submission against Robbie Lawler during their match at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Jake Shields celebrates his victory over Robbie Lawler at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Nick Diaz punches Scott Smith during their match at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Nick Diaz celebrates his victory over Scott Smith in a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Phil Baroni attempts to punch Joe Riggs during their match at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Joe Riggs defeated Phil Baroni via a unanimous decision at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Mike Whitehead takes down Kevin Randleman en route to a unanimous decision win at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Kevin Randleman and Mike Whitehead trade punches during their match at a Strikeforce event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
