Nick Diaz
Hieron's first Strikeforce fight was set to be against fellow former Zuffa competitor Nick Diaz at for the inaugural Strikeforce welterweight title. However, Diaz missed a pre-fight drug test mandated by the California State Athletic Commission and was denied a license to compete. Jesse Taylor was named to replace Diaz and the fight was changed to a non-title bout. Hieron won by unanimous decision. He had his heart set on a title shot against Nick Diaz, but has stated that he would be comfortable fighting any top level opponent, as long as the fight, and name is helping him move forward in his career.