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