Saturday, July 4, 2009

Riggs vs. Diaz II Update; Possible Title Fight?

A rematch between rivals Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg could be for the vacant welterweight belt, MMAInsider has learned from sources close to the fight.

Negotiations for the Aug. 15 bout are nearly completed, though Strikeforce has yet to make a formal announcement.

The two first fought at UFC 57, where Riggs won a three-round unanimous decision. Later, they engaged in post-fight brawl at a Las Vegas hospital. Their enmity towards each other hasn't faded since.

Riggs defeated Phil Baroni by unanimous decision in his last appearance at Strikeforce: Shields vs. Lawler in June. The UFC veteran believed he broke both hands during the course of the fight, but the extent of injuries turned out to be less severe, with damage to the small bones in his wrist. He has begun training again.

Diaz outboxed middleweight Scott Smith on the main card of St. Louis event.

With Cung Le apparently shelved until the end of the year, a source from Diaz's camp said a title was the only worthwhile option for Riggs.