Jay Hieron (17-4, 0-0 Strikeforce) vs. Jesse Taylor  (13-3, 0-0 Strikeforce)

The Story So Far: Where to begin?

If any fight sums up the problems Strikeforce has faced with their August 15th show this fight explains it all. Originally, Diaz was suppose to fight Joe Riggs in the first ever Strikeforce welterweight title fight. However, Riggs would withdraw from the fight leaving Strikeforce without a welterweight challenger luckily for them Affliction went belly up and Strikeforce swooped in to sign Jay Hieron to fight Nick Diaz. 

However nothing ever goes according to plan. Diaz failed to show up to his pre-fight drug test, twice. Subsequently the CSAC wouldn't grant Diaz a license and Strikeforce needed to find a new opponent for Hieron. Strikeforce tapped Jesse Taylor of TUF 7 infamy to step in and fight Hieron though not for open welterweight belt. 

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg coverage

For those unfamiliar with Hieron he is the former IFL welterweight champion and went 7-2 in the promotion before it folded. Hieron did go 1-0 in the WEC and went 0-2 in the UFC losing to Georges St. Pierre in 2004 and dropping a bout to Jonathan Goulet due to a cut. 

Hieron is a solid Xtreme Couture fighter that is often used to teach hot shots a lesson inside the gym. 

Jesse Taylor burst onto the MMA scene like a drunken sailor. Most fans know him from his stint on The Ultimate Fighter 7 where Taylor came to personify many of the problems with the reality show with his frat-boy antics. However, Taylor fought his way to the finals until Dana White removed him for poor conduct at a Fertitta owned Casino. Taylor was given a second chance, beat TUF 7 rival C.B. Dollaway or be cut. Taylor loss and had to search for new employment. 

The second act of Taylor's career was better as he racked up seven straight wins and defeated Dong Sik Yoon at Dream 10. Now Taylor is back in the States with a chance to rebuild his brand to North American fans. 

Conventional Wisdom: Both fighters like to stand and trade so expect to see a lot of leather thrown around. 

WKR analysis: An underrated fight considering the potential for fireworks. Taylor has shown a propensity to lose via submission, all three of his career loses have come by submission. WKR thinks that Hieron, who likes to brawl, will transition to the ground and go for a submission.

Fun Fact:  Jesse Taylor has two sons the youngest is named Nikolaus. 

Jay Hieron is adopted. 

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg coverage