UFC 132 Quick Preview

UFC 132 is July 2nd! Time to start the hype! Here is the extended exclusive UFC promo reel as well as the full fight card.

Dominick Cruz has been on a tear since his lost to Faber. Hair gel can do amazing things. How can Silva v Leben be a bad fight?

This card should be a lot better than last weekends snoozefest Strikeforce card. Full preview coming on the week before the card.

Full card and TV listing

PPV:

Dominick Cruz (17-1) vs. Urijah Faber (25-4) [Bantamweight Title]

Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) vs. Chris Leben (25-7)

Carlos Condit (26-5) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (14-0-1)

Ryan Bader (12-1) vs. Tito Ortiz (15-8)

Matt Wiman (13-5) vs. Dennis Siver (18-7)

SPIKE TV:

Melvin Guillard (27-8) vs. Shane Roller (10-3)

George Sotiropoulos (14-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (14-5)

Preliminary Card:

Brian Bowles (9-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (14-5-2)

Brad Tavares (7-0) vs. Aaron Simpson (8-2)

Anthony Njokuani (13-5) vs. Andre Winner (11-5-1)

FK

PACIFIC XTREME COMBAT DEBUTS IN THE PHILIPPINES VIA PXC 24

PACIFIC X-TREME COMBAT (PXC), the premier Mixed Martial Arts promotional organization in the Pacific region, announces its arrival in the Philippines with a bang, staging PXC-24 on June 11^th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.

PXC-24, an event presented by San Mig Strong Ice, in cooperation with Beer Below Zero, with venue partner Resorts World and Media Partners FHM and TV 5 will feature 8 exciting Mixed Martial Arts fights, including a heavy-weight title bout between “The Champ”, Roque Martinez from Guam, taking on the challenger, Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial of Saipan. PXC-24 Promoters are excited to showcase elite international fighters from Brazil, Korea, California, Florida, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and some of the best up and coming talents from the Philippines. “We have one of our best fight cards ever coming to Manila for the June 11^th show,” according to PXC President & Founder, Joey Calvo. “The heavy-weight fight should be a war…and these two guys are over 250 pounds with knock-out power and a lot of heart.”

Calvo is a black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who has trained with some of the best in the world, and founded PXC in 2004 after promoting several amateur events in Guam.

PXC is well-known in Guam as a springboard for MMA fighters to bigger shows in the US, including the UFC. PXC has produced over 50 MMA events, with over 22 professional shows under their belt. With their expansion to the Philippines, PXC Promoters feel that they will help build up the first ever Filipino MMA fighter to the highest level of the sport in the world. According to EJ Calvo, PXC Promoter / CEO, “PXC will help place a fighter in the UFC…before the PBA places a player in the NBA. MMA is the world’s fastest growing sport, and we know the talent is out there and they just a need the opportunity to compete at a higher level and get exposed on the world stage.”

As a bonus for fans, Filipino-American UFC superstar, Brandon Vera, will be attending the event as a trainer for another Alliance MMA fighter from San Diego, California. PXC often hosts some of the best MMA fighters in the world, who corner or coach their gym-mates…with the likes of BJ Penn, Enson Enoye, and Mark Laimon.

PXC has partnered with TV5, one of the most aggressive television stations in the country, to broadcast the events on a regular basis on their new sports channel, AKTV.

UFC 131 Dos Santos vs Carwin

Main Event
Dos Santos vs Shane Carwin

Main Card
Kenny Florian vs Diego Nunes

John-Olav Einemo vs Dave Herman

Damian Maia vs Mark Munoz

Donald Cerrone vs Vagner Rocha

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards

UFC 131 Preview

The UFC action continues on Saturday night when Omigawa and Darren Elkins kicks off what is sure to be an entertaining PPV. Strangely, this was the UFC that was derailed by the announcement that Brock Lesnar was going to be off the card due to his illness. However, the replacement was announced to be Shane Carwin, the UFC fans quickly started to salivate at what is sure to be a good action heavyweight fight in the main event.

Shane Carwin VS. Junior Dos Santos

As much as a 50/50 as we have seen in recent main events. Carwin is going to come forward and land hard shots. Junior is going to try to make it into a ground and pound game.

For those of you that aren't convinced of the fireworks. Remember, the two have combined for 22 first-round stoppages (12 for Carwin and 10 for Dos Santos) in their 26 fights.

Either way, it's simply who can impose whose will. It's hard to against the bigger fighter in these types of fights, but it's hard to see Junior putting Carwin away early after not being able to finish Roy Nelson in his last fight. Carwin of course is going need to show that he more than a 1 round fighter. Also, people often for get that Carwin is a former Division II collegiate wrestling national champion. It will be hard to take this guy down. Regardless, very interesting fight. Very.

Kenny Florian Vs. Diego Nunes

The story here is the incredible shrinking Kenny Florian. Usually when fighter's career progress they become larger. It's harder to keep the weight down as metabolism slows with age. Yet with Kenny Florian, this is his record 4th different weight class since joining the UFC ranks as a TUFer. In reality, he should have never been fighting at 185 pounds but was doing it for the sake of a shot in the TUF competition.

Kenny is coming off of a loss to Greg Maynard who is simply outwrestling and beating anyone not named Frankie Edgar

UFC 130 Rampage vs Hamill Main Card Preview

Quinton  Jackson vs Matt Hamil

This fight has been moved to the main event.  Rampage gets another main event in the UFC, this being his third time in a row.  Coming off a big split decision win over Lyoto Machida, he looks to regain his momentum after losing the light heavyweight belt in 2008.  Known for his knockout power and his devastating slams, he hasn’t had the same effect since he has joined the UFC (alike most Pride fighters).  With his charismatic personality and his knockout power he is always a fan favorite and a crowd drawer.

The winner of TUF season 3, an always improving Mix Martial Artist.  Matt Hamil brings a well decorated wrestling pedigree to the octagon.  Improving his striking mixed with his ground control, Hamil is a handful for anyone in the cage with him.

Questions???

Will Rampage beable to handle Hamil’s wrestling and ground control?  His recent notable fights with Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, he has been lost sections of the fight when he is on the ground.  Unable to stop takedowns and unable to work off his back or get back up.

Will Matt Hamil try and stand with Rampage?  Will he have the gameplay to try to take Rampage down for an easier way to victory?  Can he take Rampage down?  If they do stand will Hamil beable to stay away from Rampage’s power punches?  Hamil is known for his wrestling but is always improving as a striker.  But will Hamil take his chances on his feet with such a well known power puncher?

Frank Mir vs Roy Nelson

Frank Mir, still considered one of the top heavyweights in the UFC he has recently faced some of his careers most challenging fighters.  With recent wins over Crocop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Brock Lesnar he looks to put on a convincing win over Roy Nelson to stay relevant in the list of top heavyweights of the UFC.  Using his Muay Thai/Boxing and always dangerous bjj, Frank Mir is dangerous in any position and anywhere in the octagon.

Roy Nelson, made his name in the IFL and now being UFC TUF champion looks to break into the list of top heavyweights of the UFC.  Roy Nelson possesses knockout power in both hands and isn’t someone anyone should take lightly.

Questions???

Will Frank Mir look to go to the ground or try to use his striking against someone as dangerous as Roy Nelson?  Who would have the advantage during clinches and up against the fence?  Frank Mir is a well rounded fighter, but usually isn’t the one going for takedowns or aggressive when his back is on the fence.  Will Frank Mir continue to out strike Roy even if he gets hit with a big shot?

Will Roy Nelson be able to handle Frank Mir’s ground game?  Is Roy Nelson going to have enough cardio to go three rounds with Frank?  If he gases in the fight will he beable to survive?

Stefan Struve vs Travis Browne

Stefan Struve

A 6 ft 11 nightmare for anyone he steps into the cage with.  With a great ground game and some great kickboxing he looks to beat some of the top tier heavyweights in UFC so he can be considered to be on that list.  He has taken on some tough challenges in the UFC, beating some prospect fighters in the heavyweight division.  Losing to some of the higher tier fighters like Roy Nelson and Junior Dos Santos, Struve looks to regain his composure as a prospect for the belt.

Travis Browne

Travis Browne is a new edition to the UFC, and brings with him an undefeated record.  With knockout power in hands and legs, he looks to make it to the big times with his chance again Stefan Struve.

Thiago Alves vs Rick Story

Thiago Alves, a dangerous welterweight with great Muay Thai practitioner, falling short fighting for the welterweight championship against GSP.  A powerful striker looks to get his way back to the top to regain another shot at the title.

Rick Story

Rick Story has racked up a 5 win streak and is now given a big step up fight against Thiago Alves.  Known for his wrestling, he is a tough customer never giving anyone an easy win.  With a great chin and great ground work, submissions and ground control, he looks to give the favorite Thiago Alves a run for his money.

Questions???

Thiago Alves has problems with strong wrestlers such as GSP and Jon Fitch (but who wouldn’t have problems wrestling with both), will he beable to keep this fight on his feet?  If he gets taken down will he be more cautious over committing with his strikes?  With a lot of ground work and anti takedown will Thiago gas later in the fight?

Will Rick Story go for broke to try to take Thiago down?  Will Rick surprise us will improved striking?  How much punishment will Rick take on the feet before trying to take Alves down?  If he can take Alves down, can he keep it there?  He has a tough chin, will it be strong enough to take Alves's shots?

DREAM 17 - Fight for Japan - Preview

May 29th Japan Bantamweight Tournament (61kg/134.5 lbs), the 1st round and semifinals (finals and 3rd place fight will take place in July) @ Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Official Fight Card

Caol Uno vs Akiyo Nishiura

Featherweight bout: Caol Uno (27-14-5) most known for title fight loss against Jens Pulver and draw against BJ Penn. Akiyo Nishiura (11-6-1) fought in Shooto and Cage Force before fighting in Dream and in December 31, 2010 he made his kickboxing debt that ended in a draw.

Mitsuhiro Ishida vs Joachim Hansen

Featherweight bout: Mitsuhiro Ishida (20-6-1) has a notable loss to Takanori Gomi in Pride Shockwave 2006. In Dream he lost to Caol Uno and won against Daisuke Nakamura both of which is fighting on the Dream card. Joachim Hansen (21-10-1) is known to hold an MMA world title after winning the Shooto World Welterweight Championship in 2003 from Takanori Gomi.

Katsunori Kikuno vs Daisuke Nakamura

Lightweight bout: Katsunori Kikuno (14-3-2) is the current DEEP Lightweight Champion and the DEEP 2009 Lightweight Tournament winner. Daisuke Nakamura (23-12) fought for virtually every promotion except for UFC.

Takeshi Inoue vs Koichiro Matsumoto

Featherweight bout: Takeshi Inoue (19-5) was a defending Shooto World Champion before losing to Hatsu Hioki. Koichiro Matsumoto (12-2) current DEEP featherweight Champion.

Shinya Aoki vs Antonio McKee

Lightweight bout: Shinya Aoki (27-5-1) is a DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Ranked by Fightknights as #10 P4P Lightweight. Rich Clementi (40-19-1) was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 4, notably lost was to Gray Maynard.

Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinals

Yoshiro Maeda vs Hideo Tokoro

Yoshiro Maeda (28-9-2) fought for the WEC Bantamweight Title at WEC 34 against Miguel Torres. Hideo Tokoro (27-23-1) competed in DREAM’s featherweight Grand Prix where he lost the 1st round but was brought back into the tournament where we won the 2nd round but lost in the semi-finals.

Darren Uyenoyama (6-3) vs Atsushi Yamamoto (12-6)

Kenji Osawa vs Takafumi Otsuka (8-3-1)

Kenji Osawa (16-9-2) currently fights in the WEC but his records comes fighting primarily in Shooto.

Keisuke Fujiwara vs Masakazu Imanari

Keisuke Fujiwara (11-2-4) is a current defending ZST Bantamweight Champion and ZST Genesis Tournament 2007 Bantamweight winner. Masakazu Imanari (21-8-2) is a current Cage Rage Featherweight Champion, DEEP Bantamweight Champion and the former DEEP Featherweight Champion.

Henry Liu

UFC 129 Fight Knights Writer's Predictions

UFC 129 Fight Knights Writer's Predictions

HL's Picks
MacDonald by Decision
Patrick by submission 3rd round
Menjivar by T(KO) 3rd round
Jabouin by split decision
Ellenberger by Submission 3rd round
Makdessi by Strikes 2nd round
Diaz by Submission 3rd round
Matyushenko by Strikes 2nd round
Henderson by Strikes 2nd round
Machida by decision
Aldo by T(KO) 3rd round
Pierre by Decision

SW's Picks
Couture by Decision
Aldo by T(KO) 2nd round
Pierre by Decision




More predictions to come! 
Give us your 2 cents!!!

UFC 129 Fight Card Preview

Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen

UFC 129 middleweight showdown will be the fight to start off the night. Both fighters are coming off a loss. Notably Ryan Jensen’s loss comes from Ultimate Fighter contender Court McGee from Ogden, Utah.
Both fighters are strong on the ground. MacDonald’s 24 wins, 18 came by submission, contrast similarly Jensen’s 15 wins, 10 were by submission.

Claude Patrick vs, Daniel Roberts
A welterweight’s streak will come to an end. Nick named “The Prince”, Claude Patrick is going into the octagon with 12 straight wins with a record of 13-1-0. With a similar record of 12-1-0, Daniel Roberts is entering the fight with 3 straight victories.
Patrick will mostly likely push the action with his style ( BJJ & Muay Thai) but Roberts southpaw stance (BJJ & Wrestling) could play a factor with counters.

Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valencia
Bantamweight journeymen clash in the third bout both fighters are coming into UFC 129 with a loss. Ivan Menjivar with a record of 21-8-0 will be taking on the challenger Charlie Valencia with a record of 12-6-0.
Bantamweight yields high energy fighters, Menjivar’s 21 wins, 8 were (T)Kos, Valenica will have his hands full.

Pablo Garza vs. Yves Jabouin
On paper this Flyweight fight looks to be action packed. Pablo Garza and Yves Jabouin are hungry for their second win. Impressively Garza’s last fight with Fredson Paixao ended in round 1 with :51 seconds left in the round with a flying knee.
Jabouin will most likely want to go toe to toe with Garza. Jabouin’s 15 wins, 11 came by (T)KOs.

Sean Pierson vs. Jake Ellenberger
Welterweight ground warfare in the 5th match. Sean Pierson is an all-around fighter, 11 wins only one came to a decision. Pierson is a Greco-Roman wrestler and a purple belt in BJJ.
Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger the more experience fighter with 24 wins and 15 of those were (T)KOs. Ellenberger is a wrestler and a blue belt in BJJ.


Kyle Watson vs. John Makdessi
Lightweight pursuits. Kyle Watson, 10 of his 13 wins were by submissions who is now going for his 6th straight win. His last win was by unanimous decision.
John Makdessi is going for his undefeated 9th straight victory, who is also coming off a unanimous decision.

Rory MacDonald vs. Nate Diaz
Welterweights matched up. Both Rory MacDonald and Nate Diaz are coming off a loss. And both MacDonald and Diaz are BJJ and Boxers.
Diaz is known to have heart and excellent BJJ. With only 8 fight difference between them MacDonald only has one loss, the two young fighters will bang.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz
Light heavyweight Janitor and Hitman fight in the 8th bout. Valdimire “The Janitor” Matyushenko at 40 years old is coming off a win to battle Jason “The Hitman” Brilz (35 years old) who is coming off a loss.
Both fighters are wrestling emphasized but don’t be surprised if the match ends with strikes especially from Matyushenko (his last win coming from (T)KO strikes) but Brilz learned a lot from Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the split decision loss.

Benson Henderson vs. Mark Bocek
Lightweight mixed martial arts contest. Black Korean American fighter Benson Henderson (12-2) coming off a loss is a black belt in Taekwondo and brown belt in BJJ.
Representing Canada Mark Bocek (9-3) is coming off a win (by submission) is a black belt in BJJ and a black belt in Kempo.

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida
Light heavyweight spectacle. Age 47 Randy Couture (19-10) will fight his last fight at UFC 129 going for his 4th straight victory to finish out his legendary career, but his opponent Lyoto Machida (age 32 record 16-2) who is coming off 2 straight controversial losses (Mauricio Rua & Quinton Jackson) looks to get back on the title track.
Machida is currently ranked #4 light heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog & Yahoo Sports. Couture is ranked at #10 by Yahoo Sports.



UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick
Contender Mark Hominck (20-8) is going for his 6th straight victory to retain his featherweight title. His 20 wins, 9 were (T)KOs, 7 by submission and 4 went to decisions. And 8 of his losses came by submission.
Young Champion Jose Aldo (18-1) is starting to top more and more best of lists, defending his championship belt with 11 straight victories. Aldo’s 18 wins, 12 were (T)KOs, 2 by submission and 4 came by decision. Aldo’s only loss was by submission. Ranked by Sherdog Aldo is #1 in the featherweight division and #3 Pound-For-Pound fighter. This fight looks to be high octane with toe to toe action.

UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
George St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields
These welterweights need no introduction. Five times defending champion George St. Pierre’s (21-2) belt is on the line again.
Jake Shields’ (26-4-1) title shot comes following 15 straight wins. Shields is either tough or fight opponents that aren’t tough enough. Shields’ 26 wins, 3 were (T)KOs. 10 by submission and 13 came by decisions.
Coming off an 8 victory streak, GSP should expose Shields’ weakness in finishing an opponent. GSP has great wrestling that grinds fighters leaving them very tired. And recently, GSP showcased his ability to strike versus Josh Koscheck courtesy of new hands trainer Freddy Roach.

HL

What's next in the UFC Lightheavy Weight Division?

With the recent domination over Shogun Rua, Jon "Bones" Jones breathes life back to the UFC light heavy weight division with storylines and drama will taking center stage.

Jones’ first title defense will be against his former teammate and close personal friend Rashad Evans. Both of which have strong wrestling background, meaning you can expect lots of action on the fence and control on the ground. Evans was originally scheduled to fight Rua for the title but withdrew due to an knee injury in training and Jones was selected as the replacement.

(As storylines go, Evans has quit Greg Jackson’s gym, the gym he and Jones trains at.)

The experience factor will no doubt favor Evans, as he has fought a much stronger pool of fighters, but a year of ring rust due to a knee injury, reach disadvantage of 10 inches, Evans may be facing a tall (pun intended) order. More than likely Evans will need a submission or knock out if he’s to come out the octagon with the belt.

Jones is one of the new young gun generation. He's very athletic with a strong ground game and even better striking. Most of his weapons seem to nullify most of Evans strengths. Of course, he’s virtually undefeated (1 DQ) and has a large size advantage as well.

Of course, lurking drama is here, Dana White has Quinton “Rampage” Jackson fighting the winner of Jones & Evans.

If Evans comes out as the victor, it will be the second time Jackson and Evans will fight each other. Their first meeting Evans easily subdued Jackson with his wrestling and tired him out against the fence. Jackson admits to ring rust due his role as Mr. T play a large factor. So far Rashad beat Jackson in the ring, on the Ultimate Fighter and volleyball so Jackson should be fired up the second time around.

A Jones Rampage matchup will be a good fight. Jackson’s style will make the fight interesting (as long as it lasts) if he can get past Matt Hamill. Of course, just another wrinkle in the storylines, Hamill was the fight Jones was DQ'd in.

Henry Liu

Weekend Fights Preview Friday Night Fights 03/18/11 UFC 128 03/19/11

Some good action this weekend in the octagon as well as the square ring.

In the MMA world that now begins and ends with Zuffa, UFC 128 is the only event that you need to see.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua takes on Jon Jones in the main event that should not be missed. While some may not like Shogun, no one can say that he doesn't entertain. This will be an entertaining fight and will be hotly contested. Bones is essentially undefeated (besides his DQ) and doesn't seem to enjoy decisions as he has only gone the distance twice in his career. Great job on the UFC's part finding a good action fight when Rashard Evans went down with the injury.

In other action the co feature is Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland.

The other fight I will be interested in is Crocop VS Shaub (who I still think looks like a gigantic version of my brother's friend).




Boxing starts off tonight with Friday Night Fights.

Brad Solomon (16-0, 7 KOs) takes on the toughest test of his career when he steps into the ring with Demetrius Hopkins (30-1-1, 11 KOs). This is a really interesting fight that really could go both ways. While Hopkins has the better jab, Solomon is pretty imposing. I think this is a close decision win for Hopkins.

This Saturday we have the return of Lucian Bute on Showtime along with prospect Vanes Martirosyan.

Bute (27-0, 22 KOs) should handle his opponent Irishman Brian Magee (34-3-1, 24 KOs) pretty easily with superior boxing skills in every category. This fight will likely not go the distance. Hopefully we can see Lucian take on tougher opponents before his eventual mega showdown with p4pder Andre Ward.

Finally also on Saturday we have the beginning of what Epix hopes is a new era in boxing for them. They are trying to become a premium channel, much like Showtime and HBO, and are using their same business model of using Boxing to get into our living rooms. This fight will also be streaming on Epixhd.com Vitali Kiltshko V Odlainer Solis. This will be a major step up in class for Odlainer (17-0, 12 KOs) beat Ray Austin via DQ in his last fight. I expect a wipeout here.

Random thoughts:

Lou Dibella has long been one of my favorite promoters in the sport. While many point to Dana White and his cursing during press conferences and interviews, few can beat Lou when it comes to candor. When asked if he would match up Sergio Martinez with Dmitry Pirog (WBO belt holder) he had this to say.

"Fuck Dmitry Pirog. We're never fighting Dmitriy Pirog, that was our belt that [the WBO] stole from him and we're not fighting Dmitry Pirog, who has never done anything but beat Daniel Jacobs to deserve a big fight. Fuck Dmitry Pirog."

Now that's a quote.

Sergio Martinez looked great against a guy nobody looks good against. Another impressive win.

Has anyone seen Floyd Mayweather?

Really UFC? The co feature is a TUF coach eliminator? This is getting a bit ridiculous don't you think?

Sigh, Donaire moves to Golden Boy and looks as though there is going to be a legal battle over the legality of it. Sound familiar? Yes, Pacman was in the same situation a few years ago. Can't we just all get along?

SW

Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament Overview

Strikeforce puts together a crowd pleasing tournament putting every fighter at risk with danger in every bracket.

Fedor Emelianenko (32-2,) a fighter that needs no introduction, will probably be the favorite to win the tournament even with the loss to Fabricio Werdum.  Fedor has dominated the heavyweight division in Pride and has been #1 P4P on many critics' list of talented fighters.  His name has recently dropped off most lists since the submission loss to Fabricio, but he is ready to prove he still belongs in the top P4P list in this tournament.  

Antonio Silva (15-2) comes into this tournament in the first round facing the toughest opponent yet in his career.  He has a great ground game using his BJJ to solidify positioning for submission or his devastating ground and pound.  His stand up game is exceptional, recently out striking Andrei Arlovski in Strikeforce.  He's more known for his ground n pound and will try and display that in this tournament.

Alistair Overeem (34-11) moving up to heavyweight since Pride has done him well.  He is talked about to be Fedor's biggest challenge if they meet in the Semi-Finals.  With all finishes by submission or knockout in his last 9 wins and winning 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix he is thought to have the most momentum coming into this tournament.

Fabricio Werdum (14-4) is another fighter coming into this tournament with a lot of momentum.  Known for his BJJ and ground n pound and his striking is always improving.  He comes off a first round submission win over Fedor Emelianenko (maybe the biggest upset in MMA history).

Andrei Arlovski (15-8) comes in the tournament with recent significant deterioration of his career.  Entering this tournament with a 3 fight losing streak, including 2 devastating knockout losses to Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers, Adrei fights to get his career back on track.  Known for his boxing and devastating hands, he was beating Fedor with his footwork and speed before making a bad decision, throwing a flying knee giving Fedor the opening to land a 1 punch knockout ending his impressive prior 5 fight win streak.

Sergei Kharitonov (17-4), makes his Strikeforce debut hoping to make his mark on American soil in this tournament.  Notable from his Pride career, Kharitonov is able finish fights with both submission and strikes.  Every one of the entrants along the way will be Kharitonov’s most toughest opponents of his career making him a major underdog of this tournament.

Josh Barnett (26-5), has been a ranked in the top 10 heavyweights throughout his career. He is coming off a 6 fight win streak.  Because of his lack of being signed with the popular UFC it is hard for him to find top competition in his weight class since his Pride days.  Entering this tournament may put him back on the map and will give any opponent problems with his striking and wrestling.

Brett Rogers (11-2) is known for his devastating knockout power made his way up the food chain quickly with impressive 10 wins by way of knockout before facing Fedor.  Briefly after being TKO’d by Overeem he comes off a win in a tune up fight hoping to get back to his winning ways.

This is a great tournament put together by Strikeforce, ensuring fans to see fireworks on either side of the tournament.  This tournament starts on Febrauary 12^th predictions coming soon!