The road to “Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz” – Day 2

Today is fight day. At the current time, the Marriott lobby is buzzing with fighters and event-goers alike. Fabricio Werdum sits off to my right conversing with a friend. Tom Atencio and other Affliction execs are socializing with the likes of Big John McCarthy and Scott Smith. Stephen Qaudros is making the rounds, decked out in his Black Sabbath tee shirt. He tells us that he will be calling the broadcast of the new ShoMMA series which starts the upcoming week. Ron “Abongo” Humphrey sits quietly in a chair sipping from a bottle of water. Josh and I acknowledge him and wish him luck. He thanks us and tells us he is ready for his fight with Brett Rogers. Andrei Arlovksi enters the hotel and waits in line to check-in to his hotel room. Nick Diaz strolls into the hotel, surrounded by his entourage. Diaz looks intense, focused, and ready to do battle with Frank Shamrock.

The support for this event and Strikeforce organization is as strong as ever– particularly from WAMMA related fighters and media personalities. Affliction and Strikeforce fighters have an inversely close tie to one another and come out to the events regardless if they or a teammate are fighting. The atmosphere is electric and I can sense the excitement.

Fighters will be making their way to the arena soon to begin with their pre-fight preparations. Tonight promises to be a spectacular night of fights. I will be live blogging from cage-side so stay tuned into MMAOpinion for updates and live results.