Mike Kyle (black trunks) has spent his career going tit-for-tat with some of the best fighters MMA has to offer, but arguably has yet to prove that he can consistently beat the best. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)
It started in April of 2011 at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. “Mak” Mike Kyle (15-8) was set to face former DREAM middleweight king and former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi (32-3). However, a broken hand that Kyle suffered in his near upset loss to heavyweight “Big Foot” Antonio Silva (15-3) sidelined him from the fight. Again the two were set to face each other in September 2011 at the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals, but this time it was Mousasi who withdrew from the fight. Now, after a year of trying to come to the same crossroads, the two veterans will finally face each other in the Strikeforce cage. Continue reading »
Former UFC light heavyweight Keith Jardine (black trunks) had no answer for the heavy-handed striking of Luke Rockhold (white shorts) at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. (Photo courtesy of Strikeforce)
The second promotional child of the Zuffa family unloaded with its first offering of the new year last night as Strikeforce presented Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. The card featured reigning Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold (9-1), who defended his belt against “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine (16-10-2), and “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (19-8) who put his devastating left hand up against the crisp kickboxing of Adlan Amagov (2-1). Also appearing on the main card were wrestling stand-outs “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (9-1) and “T-Wood” Tyron Woodley (12-0) who tested their mettle against “The Monsoon” Lorenz Larkin (11-1) and Jordan Mein (22-6). Opening the card was a tightly contested bout between “The Sponge” Tarec Saffiedine (12-2) and “The Evolution” Tyler Stinson (22-8). The fights lived up to the expectations of the fans and ushered in 2012 on a good note for Strikeforce. Here’s how things went down. Continue reading »
(Photo courtesy of Strikeforce and Showtime)
—MAIN CARD—
Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine: Rockhold via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 4:26
Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov: Lawler via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches), Round 1, 1:48
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal vs. Lorenz Larkin: Lawal via TKO (Strikes), Round 2, 2:32
Tyron Woodley vs. Jordan Mein: Woodley via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Tyler Stinson: Saffiedine via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »
Jan 062012
While Tarec Saffiedine (right) does possess exceptional striking abilities, his key to victory at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine this Saturday likely will lie in his aptitudes on the mat. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC. and Showtime)
Strikeforce hits the ground running in 2012 as it dishes out MMA action this Saturday night from the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The California-based promotion’s veterans welcome new faces to the main card and hope to stake their claim within their respective divisions. Knockout artist ”The Evolution” Tyler Stinson (22-7) takes on “The Sponge” Tarec Saffiedine (11-2) in the main card’s opener. One of the welterweight division’s top dogs, “T-Wood” Tyron Woodley (11-0) collides with the fast rising Jordan Mein (22-6). “The Monsoon” Lorenz Larkin (11-0) takes a step out from the Strikeforce: Challengers series to face his stiffest test to date, “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (8-1). Just as many who watch NASCAR hope to see a crash, the casual MMA observer comes to watch someone get knocked out and with Adlan Amagov (2-0) and “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (18-8) suited against each other, the crowd should be on the edge of their seats. Middleweight gold is up for grabs in the main event when champion Luke Rockhold (8-1) defends his newly earned title for the first time against “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine (16-9-2). Strikeforce has stepped up its game over the past several years, and if this card is any indication of what’s to come, fans are in for an exciting year. Continue reading »
(Photo courtesy of Strikeforce and Zuffa, LLC.)
—MAIN CARD—
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal: Melendez via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46), Round 5, 5:00
Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Championship
Cris “Cyborg” Santos vs. Hiroko Yamanaka: Santos via KO (Punches), Round 1, 0:16
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux: Mousasi via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00
KJ Noons vs. Billy Evangelista: Noons via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »
If WMMA featherweight champ "Cyborg" Cristiane Santos (right) can find a way to work into Hiroko Yamanka's reach, she can let her striking lead into another successful title defense. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)
Strikeforce looks to end 2011 with a bang as it unleashes its latest installment of MMA action with Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal this Saturday night. While Strikeforce appears to be wading in the sea that is the Zuffa media machine, a promising main card has been set that both casual observers and die-hard fans can truly enjoy. The preliminary card is filled with action of its own but the main card is what is set to steal the show. Billy Evangelista (10-2) and KJ Noons (9-4) open things up with a likely display of stand-up prowess. “The Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (25-3-2) pits his reputation as DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion against blue chip monster “OSP” Ovince St. Preux (10-4). WMMA takes the stage as Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion “Cyborg” Cristiane Santos (10-1) brings her vicious Muay Thai striking game to bear against Jewels stand-out Hiroko Yamanaka (11-1) and in the main event, lightweight king pin “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez (19-2) defends what’s his against “Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal (21-6). Let’s dive in and see what to expect and who might come out on top this Saturday night. Continue reading »
Dec 012011
(Photo courtesy of Fighters Only)
Last night some of the most prominent names in mixed martial arts convened at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada to honor nominees in 22 categories at the 2011 World MMA Awards. The categories, which are selected by a nominations panel then voted on by fans, honor all things MMA, from fighters, to referees, to equipment, apparel, ring girls, and much more. The annual awards show, now in its fourth year, once again saw the UFC taking the majority of the honors. And the winners are… Continue reading »
(Photo courtesy of Strikeforce)
—MAIN CARD—
Antwain Britt vs. Lumumba Sayers: Sayers via KO (Punch), Round 1, 0:28
Ronda Rousey vs. Julia Budd: Rousey via Submission (Armbar), Round 1, 0:39
Adlan Amagov vs. Anthony Smith: Amagov via TKO (Strikes), Round 1, 2:32
TJ Cook vs. Trevor Smith: Smith via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Round 1, 4:28
Derek Brunson vs. Nate James: Brunson via Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 5:00
Derek Brunson (white trunks) will look to continue his climb as a solid blue chipper in his opening bout at Strikeforce Challengers 20. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
The UFC’s newest little brother, Strikeforce, returns to Showtime on November 18 as Strikeforce Challengers’ twentieth installment pits hard hitting TUF veteran Antwain Britt (12-5) against young blood submission fighter Lumumba Sayers (3-2). Also stepping into the cage is the WMMA community’s newest sweetheart, ultra-talented Judo Olympian “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (3-0) as she looks to add another limb to her collection against Canadian Muay Thai champion “The Jewel” Julia Budd (3-1). Russian Unifight Champion Adlan Amagov (8-1-1) will make his second stateside appearance against tested journeyman “Lionheart” Anthony Smith (14-6) and the night will open with a pair of fights featuring four men who have yet to lose in the Strikeforce cage: TJ Cook (11-3), Trevor Smith (5-0), Derek Brunson (8-0), and Nate James (10-6-1). It’s always a good night when the journeyman look to earn their masters card and step into the big show, so Challengers 20 should deliver no less. Continue reading »
Lorenz Larkin (left) and late replacement Nick Rossborough (right) will square off in the Strikeforce Challengers 19 main event. (Photo courtesy of Strikeforce and Zuffa, LLC.)
—MAIN CARD—
Lorenz Larkin vs. Nick Rossborough: Larkin via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00
Lavar Johnson vs. Shawn Jordan: Jordan via Submission (Keylock), Round 2, 3:08
Ryan Couture vs. Maka Watson: Couture via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28), Round 3, 5:00
Jason High vs. Todd Moore: High via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00
Brian Melancon vs. Felipe Portela: Melancon via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »
Kung-Fu stylist and KO artist Lorenz Larkin (red gloves) will pit his vicious knock out power against a dangerous veteran in Nick Rossborough at Strikeforce Challengers 19. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sherwood and Sherdog)
The nineteenth installment of the Strikeforce Challengers series is set to take place Friday night at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada as another crop of aspiring young fighters seek to break into the Zuffa family. Headlining the card is “The Monsoon” Lorenz Larkin (10-0) who puts his undefeated record on the line against late replacement “Leather Face” Nick Rossborough (20-14). The co-main event for the card finds second generation superstar Ryan Couture (2-1) looking to rebound from his first loss against a tough submission guru, Maka Watson (5-1). Challengers Series stand-out “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-4) returns after a less than successful debut on the Strikeforce main card and attempts to return to form against Shawn Jordan (10-3). One-time UFC veteran Jason High (12-3) will continue his second chance at Zuffa favor in the evening’s second bout against Texas native “Maniac” Todd Moore (13-4) and the night will open with a match-up between toughened ground-and-pounder Brian Melancon (5-2) and undefeated Brazilian “Balboa” Felipe Portela (7-0). The film and file on the fighters is practically non-existent and the combatants themselves are starving for the bright lights of Zuffa stardom, which is always a good mix for the fans of MMA.
Sergei Kharitonov (left) had the advantage over Josh Barnett (right) on the feet but unfortunately for him, he lacked the takedown defense and ground skills to stop "The Babyfaced Assassin" from throwing him, mounting him, and submitting him. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
The Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix delivered its semi-final offerings last night before a stoked Cincinnati crowd. The card was full of upsets and unexpected results as well as a few tried and true performances from the fighters MMA fans have come to know over lengthy careers. The night opened with Sengoku vet Maximo Blanco (5-2) showing he still has never been awake during a rules meeting in his loss to former IFL stand-out “Bam Bam” Pat Healy (23-15) and continued with several bouts that raised more than a few eyebrows. “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (8-1) handed submission grappling messiah figure Roger Gracie (4-1) his first loss in a match that saw neither ground specialist attempt a takedown. Luke Rockhold (8-1) took possession of the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship after winning a very debatable decision against “Jacare” Ronaldo Souza (13-3) and Daniel Cormier (8-0) played bracket buster in the Grand Prix by destroying heavily favored “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (15-3) in their semi-final bout. About the only match that went according to the status quo was “The Babyfaced Assassin” Josh Barnett’s (23-5) widely predicted submission win over K-1 kickboxer Sergei Kharitonov (17-5). Continue reading »
