Strikeforce - Fedor Returns

This Saturday we will see another installment of the epic career of the greatest fighter who ever lived, Fedor Emelianenko, in his quest to defeat BJJ ace Fabricio Werdum. The event will take place this Saturday, June 26th, and air live on Showtime from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

Strikeforce will try to recreate the magic of the last card Fedor was on, featuring supporting bouts of Cung Le v. Scott Smith, Josh Thomson v. Pat Healy and Cris Cyborg v. Jan Finney. Here is a look at the bouts:

Fedor Emelianenko v. Fabricio Werdum- This is the first bout for Fedor (31-1) since his knockout win over Brett Rogers at Strikeforce - Chicago. Fedor has been training in his native Russia in anticipation of this bout against Werdum (13-4-1), a 2X ADCC heavyweight champion and Brazilian national champion.

Fedor will be looking to keep this fight standing, unloading his trademark overhand punches that seem to topple the largest foe imaginable. While some critics decry the level of competition Fedor has faced lately, all of his past opponents, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Brett Rogers have been legit top ten heavyweights when they fought.

(Fedor KO's Arlovski)

Fabricio Werdum will be looking to get the fight to the ground early and often to utilize his world renown jiu-jitsu skills. The task will be difficult, but Werdum has defeated many top fighters, including Brandon Vera, Junior Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga and Fedor's own brother, Aleks.

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos v. Jan Finney- This women's middleweight title fight will seems quite mismatched on paper. Cyborg (9-1) has destroyed everyone in her wake since coming to America. The slugger has worked over former Elite XC champ Gina Carano, submission wizard Marloes Coenen and Shayna Bazler all via TKO.

(Cris Cyborg Pictured)

Jan Finney (8-7) will have her hands full with the Brazilian bomber, but since a decision loss to Erin Toughill, has managed to rattle off four consecutive victories. Look for Finney to keep her distance before using strikes to set up a takedown. However, that is easier said than done against Cyborg.

Cung Le v. Scott Smith- This fight is a rematch of their bout from 12/19/09. In the first fight, Cung Le (6-1) peppered Smith (17-6) with kicks and long range manuevers for 2 and a half rounds, dominating the fight. Midway through the third, the tide turned, as Smith was able to connect with big punches, eventually KO'ing Le.

Look for Le to use his trademark spinning back kick to set up a high kick, in an effort to end the fight. Look for the heavy-handed Smith will look to get inside, taking the bout to the floor, or working power punches from the inside.

(Cung Le spinning back kick)

UNDER CARD

Pat Healy v. Josh Thomson
Brett Bergmark v. Vagner Rocha
Valdir Araujo v. Yancey Medeiros
Derrick Burnsed v. Bobby Stack

Strikeforce Miami Review

Strikeforce Miami was a great card of stunning comebacks, KO's and fights. Former football player Herschel Walker made a successful mixed martial arts debut, looking jacked up for the fight. However, American brawler Robbie Lawler and the Dutch powerhouse kickboxer Melvin Manhoef were to highlight of the card.

Starting off the night was a bout against talented wrestler Bobby Lashley fighting UFC veteran Wes Sims. After numerous opponents fell through, Wes Sims picked up the fight on less than 10 days notice. The fight ended predictibly, as Lashley was able to get around Wes Sims' ninja moves and pro wrestling "test of strength request" for a takedown. From there, a barrage of ground and pound ended Sims night at 2:06 in the first round.

Robbie Lawler pulled off the biggest come from behind win of the young 2010 MMA season in a stunning punch heard round the world. Melvin Manhoef came out like a wild animal, smashing Lawler's legs with devastating leg kicks that whipped around like a baseball bat.

As Manhoef began to land some combinations and punches, it looked as if Lawler's night was about to be over. Then after Manhoef again whacked Lawler's leg, Lawler came back with a right hand with tremendous power that floored Manhoef. Lawler laid down one more punch before the ref intervened.

Herschel Walker came into his MMA debut against Greg Nagy (1-1) with 6+ months of real MMA training at American Kickboxing Academy, but looked in great shape. Walker won the fight by getting Nagy to the ground and pounding him out. While Walker's footwork and striking looked like a guy making his debut, he showed great heart and conditioning. It is unclear whether Walker will fight again as he said it was up to his trainers.

(Herschel Walker pictured)

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos retained her women's 145 pound belt in a dominating TKO of Marloes Coenen. While Coenen was tough and tried every trick in the book, she lacked the strength to get Cyborg to the ground. While on the ground, Coenen had to work off her back, going for arm-bar attempts.

yborg was able to get the better of the action standing throughout the bout, though Coenen snuck in a couple nice shots landing one to Cyborg's jaw. In the third round, Coenen was hit with too much punishment while grounded and the ref called the fight. Expect Cyborg to fight Erin Toughill next. We could see Coenen go to a 135 pound tournament.

(Cris Cyborg pictured)

Nick Diaz sucessfully won Strikeforce's WW belt as he TKO'd the red hot Marius Zaromskis. Zaromskis came out a little wild looking to hurt Diaz with a big kick. But, Diaz simply used his reach and counter-punched Zaromskis, wobbling him, then locking up a clinch.

Diaz next battered Zaromskis' right legs with knees while pressed up against the fence. After the seperated, Diaz was able to land an uppercut then a short left to put Zaromskis on his back. Shortly thereafter the bout was called and Diaz was awarded the 170 pound belt.

(Nick Diaz pictured)

FULL RESULTS

Nick Diaz def Marius Zaromskis via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:38
Cris "Cyborg" Santos def. Marloes Coenen via TKO (strikes) R3, 3:40
Herschel Walker def Greg Nagy via TKO (strikes) R3, 2:17
Robbie Lawler def Melvin Manhoef via KO (punch) R1, 3:33
Bobby Lashley def Wes Sims via TKO (strikes) R1, 2:06

PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS

Jay Hieron def Joe Riggs via unanimous dec
Joe Ray def John Clarke via TKO (strikes) R1, 3:14
David Gomez def Craig Oxley via unanimous dec
Pablo Alfonso def Marcos DaMatta via sub (armbar) R1, 1:47
Hayder Hassan def Ryan Keenan via TKO (strikes) R2, 2:42
John Kelly def Sabah Homasi via sub (RNC) R1, 2:48
Micahel Byrnes def David Zitnik via majority dec

Strikeforce Preview

Showtime will have Strikeforce: Miami live on this Saturday, January 31, 2010. The fights take place at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Nick Diaz vs. Marius Zaromskis- This fight is for the Strikeforce 170 pound title. The brawl places the Stockton California bad boy Nick Diaz (20-7) against Dream 170 pound champ Marius Zaromskis (13-3). Expect Diaz to engage Zaromskis strength, engaging the Zaromskis standing, even though his best strategy would be getting the fight to the ground.

Nick Diaz has been on a roll since he abandonded Elite XC's 160 pound division. The fighter has always been better at 170 and above with his unorthodox stand-up. Diaz has defeated Scott Smith, Robbie Lawler, Frank Shamrock and Josh Neer in his career. The BJJ black belt will have a distinct grappling advantage over Zaromskis.

(Nick Diaz gogoplata win over Takanori Gomi)

Marius Zaromskis has been on a tremendous roll as of late KO'ing his last three opponents via head kick. To take the Dream WW Grand Prix title, he defeated Seichi Ikemoto before using the head kick to take out Mach Sakarai and Jason High in the same night.

(Marius Zaromskis pictured)

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Marloes Coenen- This fight will be for the women's 145 pound championship. Cyborg Santos is a beast with her punching and kicking power. Coenen is a decent striker in her own right, but her main advantage is her submission skills.

After losing her first bout, the Brazilian Cyborg (8-1) has won 8 straight, including 6 TKO's and 2 decisions. To win the 145 pound belt, she destroyed America's MMA sweetheart Gina Carano in brutal fashion. Cyborg also has victories over Shayna Baszler, Hitomi Akano and Vanessa Porto. Cyborg has been nearly impossible to take down during that stretch.

(Cyborg Santos pictured)

Marloes Coenen (17-3) is Holland's premier female fighter with 10 years experience, winning 12 of her fights via submission. In her last fight, Coenen flashed her stand-up skills knocking down Roxanne Modafferi before latching on the fight ending arm-bar. Coenen has wins over Yoko Takahashi, Yuuki Kondo and Megumi Yabushita while fighting primarily in Japan.

(Marloes Coenen pictured)

Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef- This fight should be an slugfest with two of the better brawlers in MMA. Melvin Manhoef (24-6) is an awesome K-1 kickboxer, knocking out Kazou Misaki in his last bout in K-1: Dynamite. Manhoef also has KO's over Mark Hunt, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Fabio Silva.

(Melvin Manhoef pictured)

Robbie Lawler (16-5) is a solid brawler in his own right with KO's over Scott Smith, Joey Villasenor, Frank Trigg and Ninja Rua. The bane of each fighter has been the ground game. Lawler may resort to attempting takedowns to get the fight to the ground.

(Robbie Lawler pictured)

Bobby Lashley vs. Wes Sims- This fight pits rising wrestler Bobby Lashley (5-0) against super tall UFC veteran Wes Sims. Lashley will probably get a quick takedown before administering punishment on the TUF 10 conestent. Wes Sims did not look good at weigh-ins taking the fight on 10 days notice.

Greg Nagy vs. Herschel Walker- This fight pits 47 year old 6th degree Tae Kwon Do blackbelt and former football superstar Hershel Walker (0-0) against the relative unknown Greg Nagy (1-1). Herschel looked absolutley jacked at weigh-ins.

EA SPORTS ONLINE FIGHT

Jay Hieron vs. Joe Riggs

UNDERCARD

Pablo Alfonso vs. Marcos da Matta
Michael Byrnes vs. David Zitnik
Sabah Homasi vs. John Kelly
David Gomez vs. Craig Oxley
Hayder Hassan vs. Ryan Keenan

ADCC 2009 Results

Here are the results of the 2009 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Grappling tournament results. The tournament is regarded as the pinnacle of no-gi grappling events. This years tournament was held in Barcelona, Spain.

The talk of the tournament was Braulio Estima who captured the absolute division and under 88KG crowns. Braulio joins Mario Sperry, Mark Kerr, Ricardo Arona and Roger Gracie as the only grapplers to win their weight division and the absolute division in the same year.

Many MMA stars placed high in this years event. TUF 8 Runner-up Vinny Magalhaes took 3rd in the under 99KG division and the absolute division with several slick submissions. Recent UFC cast-off Fabricio Werdum won the over 99KG division, while UFC vet Jeff Monson took 3rd. On the women's side, Strikeforce Women's Champ Christiane "Cyborg" Santos took 3rd in the over 60KG division.

Womens Under 60KG
1st Luanna Alzuguir
2nd Sayaka Shioda
3rd Hillary Williams
4th Laurence Cousin

Womens Over 60KG
1st Hannette Staack Quadros
2nd Penny Thomas
3rd Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos
4th Rosangela Conceicao

Mens Under 66KG
1st Rafael Mendes
2nd Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles
3rd Ryan Hall
4th Jeff Glover

Mens Under 77KG
1st Pablo Popovitch
2nd Marcelo Garcia
3rd Gregor Gracie
4th Keita “K-Taro” Nakamura

Mens Under 88KG
1st Braulio Estima
2nd Andre Galvao
3rd David Avellan
4th Rafael Lovato Jr.

Mens Under 99KG
1st Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro
2nd Gerardi Rinaldi
3rd Vinny Magalhaes
4th Glover Teixeira

Mens Over 99KG
1st Fabricio Werdum
2nd Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu
3rd Jeff Monson
4th Saulo Ribeiro

Mens Absolute
1st Braulio Estima
2nd Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro
3rd Vinny Magalhaes
4th Gunnar Nelson

Superfight Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza defeated Robert Drysdale

(Over 99KG Champ Fabricio Werdum pictured)

Strikeforce - Cyborg Attack!

Strikeforce: Carano v. Cyborg featured four televised bouts during the 2 hour timeslot. The favored fighters triumphed in emphatic fashion. Unfortunately, Strikeforce and Showtime haven't managed to figure out how to put undercard fights that end early in the broadcast. As a result, we had to endure numerous mind numbing interviews and lead-in's to upcoming fights.

Fabricio Werdum def Mike Kyle via Sub(Guillotine Choke) R1, 1:24- Werdum showed off his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess in this quick submission win. While Kyle looked to show off his power punching, Werdum got the fight to the mat, then a scramble lent Werdum to perfectly secure the Guillotine.

Gilbert Melendez def Mitsuhiro Ishida via TKO (Punches) R3, 3:56- The Gilbert Melendez of old came out looked fast, precise and relentless in this bout. Melendez' boxing was sharp as he continually threw punches that found their mark wobbling the Japanese fighter. In the third, with blood streaming down Ishida's face, the bout came to a close as Melendez released a flurry of ground and pound strikes.
*Melendez wins the LW Interim Belt

Gegard Mousasi def Renato Sobral via TKO (Punches) R1, 1:00- Mousasi absolutely brutalized Sobral in this fight, keeping his run of wins going. After Sobral caught a Mousasi kick, the fight found its way to the ground. From side mount, Mousasi rained down punches as Sobral's eyes rolled back in his head and the ref jumped in to save him.
*Mousasi wins the Light Heavyweight Belt

Cristiane Santos def Gina Carano via TKO (Punches) R1, 4:59- Gina Carano had no answer for Cyborg's strength and technique. It may have appeared that Carano was a little apprehensive in this fight. Cyborg stalked Carano, winning most of the action standing.

With the time ticking down in the round, the fight went to the mat where Cyborg looked for a keylock. After Carano escaped, Cyborg threw punches until the ref stopped it just before the bell.
*Cyborg wins the Women's 145 pound belt.

(Cris "Cyborg" Santos pictured)

Undercard

Alexander Trevino def Isaiah Hill via Sub (Keylock) R1, 3:56
James Terry def Zak Bucia via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) R1, 1:23
Justin Wilcox def David Douglas via Sub (Rear-Naked Choke) R3, 3:16
Scott Lighty def Mike Cook via TKO (Punch to the Body) R1, 2:05
Jay Hieron def Jesse Taylor via Dec (Unanimous)

Strikeforce Preview - Carano v. Cyborg

This weekend's Strikeforce - Carano v. Cyborg show will take place at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, California. The action will be shown live on Showtime. The event will feature three title fights, with the welterweight belt postponed after a missed drug test by Nick Diaz.

(Gina Carano throwing a kick in practice)

The card is littered with stars such as Dream superstar Gegard Mousasi, Affliction/IFL/UFC vet Jay Hieron and UFC vets Jesse Taylor, Babalu Sobral and Fabricio Werdum. The Carano v. Cyborg fight is one of the biggest women's MMA bouts of all-time.

Gina Carano vs. Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos- This fight is for the first ever Strikeforce Women's 145 pound title. Expect each fighter to keep the fight standing and work powerful combinations. Santos (7-1) will likely look for big shots, while Carano (8-0) looks to work combinations.

(Cris Cyborg pictured)

Champ Renato Sobral vs. Gegard Mousasi- LHW Title Fight- Babalu (35-8), the current Strikeforce LHW Champ has looked sharp since his departure from the UFC winning 5 straight including wins over Mike Whitehead, Bobby Southworth and Sokoudjou. The submission ace will look to get the fight to the ground.

(Babalu pictured)

Gegard Mousasi (25-2) has been on fire as of late, winning the Dream Middleweight Grad Prix and Title. He also has won a K-1 rules match against Musashi. His latest string of 12 victories has included wins over Mark Hunt in the Dream Super Hulk tournament; Jacare, Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang and Dong Sik Yoon in Dream's MW Tournament; Hector Lombard in Pride and Cyborg Santos in HCF. I expect Mousasi to keep the fight standing and look for a KO.

(Gegard Mousasi pictured)

Champ Gilbert Melendez vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida- LW Title Fight
Jay Hieron vs. Jesse Taylor

UNDERCARD

Mike Kyle vs. Fabricio Werdum
Mike Cook vs. Scott Lighty
David "Tarzan" Douglas vs. Justin Wilcox
Zak Bucia vs. James Terry
Isaiah Hill vs. Alex Trevino

Elite XC - Kimbo Goes Down

Elite XC: Heat proved to be a very entertaining card from top to bottom. Like every single Elite XC event broadcast so far, they had a ridiculously long and drawn out opening. Once the fights started, there were sparks a plenty as every fight was entertaining. A constant of the night was the over the top announcing from Elite XC broadcaster Mauro Ranallo. Rua, Nelson and Daley all came very close to seizing victory, but came up short. The second round losses were much closer than it looks on paper.

Benji Radach def. Murilo Rua via TKO (Punches) R2, 2:31- Benji Radach started the fight with agressively pursuing Rua with a punch cominations. Radach had the edge for most of the round landing punches until the fight went to the ground. From their, Rua was almost able to get a knee-bar and heal hooks, but was just a step behind. Rua also nearly got a kimura.

In the second round, Radach became stunned from blocking kicks and punches. However, an ill-fated muay thai kick left Rua on his back. He didn't cover quick enough as Radach landed a massive punch to a grounded Rua, that was followed by more punishment. Luckily, Rua was ok, and Radach left with his hand raised.

Gina Carano def. Kelly Kobold via Decision (Unanimous)- Kobold had a pretty clear game plan, push Carano to the fence and try to get a takedown. Unfortunately, Carano didn't give up that easy. Carano landed the majority of punches and all the kicks to get the victory. Kobold fought with heart, with her closest shot at victory when she took Carano down in the second landing some strikes. Once Carano faces an elite grappler with superior strength and submission skills, she will be in trouble.

Andrei Arlovski def. Roy Nelson via KO (Punch) R2, 3:14- This was not the stand-up slugfest that it was thought to be, but Nelson did have a chance at beating the former UFC superstar Arlovski. When Arlovski looked to have a takedown from the body-lock in the first, he was quickly reversed by Nelson. Nelson maintained top position, looking for a submission from sidemount and north south position, which was unsuccessful. When there was a lull in action, it was stood up where Arlovski held an advantage.

In the second, Arlovski dominated the stand-up and was able to land a devasting uppercut followed up by a punch or two. After Nelson hit the canvas, the ref called the fight. Maybe a little pre-mature, but Arlovski was landing everything in the second.

Jake Shields def. Paul Daley via Submission (Armbar) R2, 3:47- After this fight, Shields has got to know that his stand-up skills still need some work. Daley, an excellent muay thai practioner, punished Shields on occasion, making him pay for takedown attempts. Once Shields had Daley down, he was in obvious trouble and mounted easy. However, at the end of the first, Shields botched an arm bar and Daley was able to land some good elbows.

In the second, Daley was again able to punish Shields, however Shields got the takedown, mount and the armbar. In the post-fight interview, Shields indicated that he was interested in moving to 185 to challenge for the title and get two belts. For that to happen, Shields would have to vastly improve his stand-up skills as Daley was clearly better on his feet. Shields, a BJJ black belt is an excellent fighter, however he has to minimize punishment taken on takedown attempts.

Seth Petruzelli def. Kevin Ferguson via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:14- Petruzelli landed a couple karate style front kicks before connecting flush on a right hand. This punch sent Kimbo to his knees, where Petruzelli landed a couple more punches before it was called. If experienced, Kimbo would have attempted to roll to his guard, but he obviously still needs much work.

Elite XC broadcaster Mauro Ranallo or Gus Johnson called it, "the biggest upset in mma history." "The biggest fight in mma history." Guys, that is NOT correct. Have you ever seen Matt Serra v. Georges St. Pierre? It was really not even an upset, as any mma expert would put the former UFC veteran over Kimbo in a heartbeat.
*Smart MMA Blaster readers had Kimbo losing to Ken Shamrock 6-7.

Undercard
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos def. Yoko Takahashi via Dec(Unanimous)- There were some highlights of this fight shown. They featured Cyborg pushing the action and landing highkicks.
Nicolae Cury def. Jorge Bouchat via Sub(Reverse Triangle Choke) R1, 1:35
Bryan Hamade def. David Gomez via Sub (Guillotine) R1, 2:03
Mikey Gomez def. Lorenzo Borgomeo via Sub (Armbar) R2, 4:06
Conor Heun def. James Edson Berto via TKO (Punches/Elbows) R2, 2:18

Elite XC - Unfinished Business

Elite XC's second prime time CBS show featured four great fights in two hours. However, two fights ended in the first round and two fights ended in the second. This ended up in a ridiculous amount of filler. We did learn that both Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice will be fighting on October 4th.


*Cris Cyborg v. Shayna Baszler from photobucket

Results:

Antonio Silva def. Justin Eilers by TKO at 0:19, R2- Silva basically bullied the smaller Eilers around the cage, landing crisp punches and having Eilers nearly beat on several occasions. After getting a point deducted for punching the back of the head, Silva remained strong, and won in the second. Silva wins the HW belt.

Robbie Lawler def. Scott Smith by TKO at 2:35, R2- This was a very exciting fight, as Smith controlled the pace of the first round throwing leg and body kicks. Lawler counter-punched and kicked doing some damage in the process. In the second, Smith landed a good elbow that cut Lawler. Not wanting the ref to step in, Lawler went crazy, throwing everything he had a Smith, eventually knocking him to the canvas and getting the TKO victory. Lawler defends the MW belt.

Nick Diaz def. Thomas Denny by TKO at 0:40, R2- Diaz looked crisp while weathering an early storm by Denny. Wearing pink shorts with some pink in his hair, Denny did get Diaz down, and Diaz went for an armbar. In the second, it was all Diaz as he landed a rough shot to Denny's face, "clowned" him, and then got the TKO.

Jake Shields def. Nick Thompson by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:03, R1- This fight did not take long as Shields transitioned between a few submissions and another guillotine before locking up the finisher.

Cris “Cyborg” Santos def. Shayna Baszler by TKO at 2:48, R2- Baszler's ill advised leg lock attempt proved to be the beginning of her downfall. She ate punches from every angle in the second, and at one point Cyborg sent Baszler to the canvas. Thinking the fight was over, Cris jumped on the cage. As the ref restarted the action, it took a couple seconds for Cris to seal the TKO win. Horrible job by the ref in this fight, as Baszler was very dazed from the shot that sent her to the canvas.

Undercard: Some Fights will be re-played on Showtime
Anthony Ruiz def. Jeromy Freitag by Unanimous Decision (29-28 on all three cards)
David Douglas def. Marlon Mathias by TKO at 0:12, R1.
Rafael Feijao def. Travis Galbraith by TKO at 3:01, R1.
Wilson Reis def. Bryan Caraway by Unanimous Decision (30-27 on all three cards)
Carl Seumantafa def. Mike Cook by TKO at 3:39, R1.
Drew Montgomery def. Brandon Tarn by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 4:22, R3.