attendance is listed at 14409

More stalking, Smith gets a guillotine, loses it and now Radach tries a guillotine. Nothing there as Smith escapes and holds a single leg position as Radach sprawls. Herb Dean restarts the fighters. Smith comes out more aggressive now as Radach backs away. Big shoot from Smith knocks Radach down and ends the fight!!!

Gilbert Melendez vs Rodrigo Damn

This fight was originally scheduled to be Josh Thompson, but when Josh broke his leg a week ago Rodrigo Damn stepped up and this bout was made for the interim title.

Round 1

Fighters are circling and feeling each other out. Gilberts shoots and gets the takedown, to Damn's guard against the fence. Damn looks to tie up and arm and bar, Gilbert momentarily looks in trouble but gets out. Gilbert looking to ground and pound, Damn doing a good job of occupying him. Gilbert continues to pass to half guard, throw fists and elbows the entire time. Gilbert continues to grind away as time expires.

Round 2

Revised attendance: 15,211

After circling for a minute and a half Gilbert shoots for the takedown but Damn sprawls well. Big right from Melendez rocks Damn and two more follow up shots end the fight decisively. You interim Strikeforce lightweight champion: Gilbert Melendez!


Frank Shamrock vs Nick Diaz

Around here (San Jose) people have been talking about this fight for weeks, being pretty evenly divided on who they are rooting for or who they think will win. Nick Diaz is announced first and gets a hero's reception. Shamrock, coming out in a San Jose Shark's jersey draws a equally loud reaction, if somewhat mixed. Interesting.

By the way, I've heard from several sources that this fight was nearly scrapped because Shamrock hurt himself earlier today (leg). We'll see if this comes to play.

Round 1

Fighters decline to touch gloves at the referee instructions and we are on!

Frankswings, Nick is already taunting. Slow kick by Shamrock and Diaz gets the takedown. To Shamrock's guard, Diaz passes quickly, Shamrock almost recovers, then Diaz passes to side control. Diaz looks for an Americana Shamrock escapes and they are back to the feet! The two trade stikes circling each other and Diaz gets some more taunting. Slow kick by Shamrock and again Diaz forces him down, then passes to side control. Diaz takes mount! Diaz hammersaway, Shamrock gets back to standing and the round ends!

Round 2

Fighters circle and Diaz is talking the entire time. The crowd begins to chant for Diaz. THey continue to trade strikes, Diaz landing a lot of soft strikes not looking for the knockout but bloodying Shamrock up. Diaz continues to strike and taunt, Shamrock goes downa nd Diaz pounces, Referee stoppages Diaz wins!!!! Diaz immediately shows respect for Shamrock and helps him to his feet, raising his hand.