Ariel Helwani caught up with the colourful Joe Riggs prior to his bout with Jay Hieron this weekend in a matchup that will contest for the number-one contender spot in the Strikeforce welterweight division.

A few choice quotes from 'Diesel':

“It’s par for the course for me and Jay. We usually get screwed over but y’know, try to make the best of it. Make them regret not putting us on TV. It’s better us fighting on the card than fighting in March or something.”

“I feel good. No injuries. I’m ready to fight and keep the ball rolling. I’m on like a four or five fight winning streak; just keep it going.”

“Hopefully everything goes well with Jay and then me and Diaz get to fight again. That’s what I really want.”

"It sucks [that guys like Lashley and Walker take precedence]. You kind of feel slighted but then it’s all about the ratings. It sucks to get pushed to the back like that but it is what it is.”

“The fight’s gonna be won, for me, on the feet. Jay’s well-rounded. He’s got good stand-up, good wrestling, good sub defence. I gotta keep it on the feet and I gotta knock him out. I win, I knock him out. If he wins, it’s gonna be a decision or something like that.”

“Za-who-skis? I don’t know...I’ve heard he’s got a good high kick I just don’t watch the Japanese stuff too much. Nick’s on a roll man, it’s gonna be hard to stop him.”
 

As stated, both Hieron and Riggs have a point to prove and they're both vying for the next shot at the belt. This sets up a fascinating encounter with two well-versed and well-skilled fighters that are eager to show they have what it takes to be champions.

It all goes down this Saturday and you can find our interview with "Za-who-skis" right here, where he talks about his fight with Nick Diaz.