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

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