Diaz Tops Strikeforce’s April 9 Payroll with $175K

Mike WhitmanApr 13, 2011
Nick Diaz was the big winner on Saturday, as the Strikeforce welterweight champion took home the largest purse from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. Diaz earned $175,000 for his back-and-forth title defense against British bomber Paul Daley ($65,000) in the titular main event of Strikeforce’s April 9 show.

Strikeforce lightweight titleholder Gilbert Melendez also took home a handsome haul, as “El Nino” pocketed $150,000 for his one-sided battle with former Shooto champ Tatsuya Kawajiri ($97,612.50).

Also earning $150,000 for his efforts was Dream light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi. The Red Devil representative fought UFC veteran Keith Jardine ($25,000) to a majority draw after being penalized a point in round one for landing an illegal upkick to Jardine’s face.

Another Dream champ, lightweight Shinya Aoki, took home $73,637.50 for his easy submission victory over Lyle Beerbohm ($10,000). In a battle of famously colorful ring attires, Aoki outclassed Beerbohm on the ground, locking up a fight-ending neck crank just 93 seconds into the bout.

Strikeforce “Diaz vs. Daley” payouts:

Nick Diaz -- $175,000 def. Paul Daley -- $65,000
Gilbert Melendez -- $150,000 def. Tatsuya Kawajiri -- $97,612.50
Gegard Mousasi -- $150,000 drew with Keith Jardine -- $25,000
Shinya Aoki -- $73,637.50 def. Lyle Beerbohm -- $10,000
Robert Peralta -- $4,000 (including $2,000 win bonus) def. Hiroyuki Takaya -- $2,740
Virgil Zwicker -- $3,000 (including $1,000 win bonus) def. Brett Albee -- $1,000
Joe Duarte -- $2,000 (including $1,000 win bonus) def. Saad Awad -- $1,500
Herman Terrado -- $1,500 (including $500 win bonus) def. A.J. Matthews -- $1,000
Rolando Perez -- $3,000 (including $1,000 win bonus) def. Edgar Cardenas -- $1,000
Casey Ryan -- $2,000 (including $1,000 win bonus) def. Paul Song -- $750