Diaz Inks Multi-Year Extension with Strikeforce

Nick Diaz: Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com

Though rumors have persisted regarding a possible second stint with the UFC, Strikeforce today announced that Diaz has signed a multi-year extension to fight for the promotion. Details of the deal were not immediately available.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my career with Strikeforce,” said Diaz in a statement. “When I first got here, there weren’t a lot of great 170-pound fighters for me to fight, but that’s definitely changed. There’s a lot of really good fighters in the division now, and I’m ready to fight anyone who thinks they can beat me.”

Diaz will defend his title for the second time on Jan. 29 as he takes on Brazilian slugger Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos. The Cesar Gracie-trained Diaz has won eight consecutive fights, most recently dismantling K.J. Noons in a rematch of their 2007 EliteXC welterweight title affair. The southpaw’s current run includes notable victories over Dream champion Marius Zaromskis, Japanese veteran Hayato “Mach” Sakurai and MMA pioneer Frank Shamrock.