A Forza to be reckoned with

There's nothing more entertaining than an out-and-out scrap between two MMA athletes whom prefer to let their leather-clad fists do the talking inside a cage... fighters who pay little attention to the opinion of critics and, instead, seek to test themselves in one of the most physically demanding sports of our time.

Such will be the case when Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz takes on British brawler Paul Daley on Saturday. Diaz - a native of Stockton, California - may posses the hometown advantage, but Daley is out to prove more than just his striking prowess. 

With the recent acquisition of Strikeforce by Zuffa LLC - the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship - the London born knockout artist is looking to use the canvas he fights on to send a message to those whom now own the promotion.

Almost one month ago, when news broke that Zuffa were purchasing Strikeforce as a going concern, Daley made a comment on his Facebook account:

"Business as usual, what if i dont wanna fight for DANA WHITE/ZUFFA?......Dana white bans me for life from the UFC, Then buys STRIKEFORCE, and thinks im still gonna be EASY and fight on one of the most anticipated fights of the year (vs Diaz)? Which will no doubt make ZUFFA/Dana White money.

Daley vs Diaz still on?.....Someone better holla at my manager real quick."

Fast forward to recent days, and Daley has an unshakable belief that, by winning the Strikeforce welterweight strap, he will be in a position of strength when it comes to future fights. The following was said in conversation with Ariel Helwani

"...when I am the Strikeforce champion, I'll have even more bargaining power, and it will be even more of a kick to the teeth of the guys that don't like me in the organization. To negotiate before the fight would show a lack of confidence in myself, and I'm very confident I'm going to beat Nick Diaz. Once a champion, I have more power to negotiate."

It remains to be seen whether Daley's predictions will come to pass. Certainly he can't overlook the fact that Nick Diaz will be seeking to put the brakes on his ability to bargain with the newly formed Forza LLC - the legal entity that now owns Strikeforce - as incorporated by the Fertitta brothers.


Diaz' intervention notwithstanding, perhaps before entering into any negotiations with Forza - Paul should consider the words penned by rock band The Who from almost forty years ago in their (appropriately titled) song "Won't Get Fooled Again"

"Meet the new boss/Same as the old boss"