STRIKEFORCE: Diaz vs Cyborg

[GeneChing]

San Jose: Diaz vs Cyborg (http://strikeforce.com/events/2011/01/san-jose-diaz-vs-cyborg/)
SAT. JANUARY 29, 2011 • HP PAVILION - SAN JOSE, CA

MAIN CARD

NICK DIAZ
23-7-1, 170 lbs, 6’1″, 27, Stockton, California
VS EVANGELISTA “CYBORG” SANTOS
18-13, 170 lbs, 5’10″, 32, Curitiba, Brazil

WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

RONALDO “JACARE” SOUZA
13-2-1, 185 lbs, 6’0″, 30, Manaus, Brazil
VS “RUTHLESS” ROBBIE LAWLER
20-6-1, 185 lbs, 5’11″, 28, Granite City, Illinois

WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

HERSCHEL WALKER
1-0, 220 lbs, 6’1″, 48, San Jose, California
VS SCOTT CARSON
4-1215 lbs, 6’2″, 40, San Luis Obispo, California

ROGER GRACIE
3-0, 205 lbs, 6’3″, 29, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
VS TREVOR PRANGLEY
23-6-1, 205 lbs, 6’2″, 38, San Jose, California

PRELIMS

NATE MOORE (6-2) VS NATHAN COY (8-3) – 3×5 170lbs
BOBBY STACK (8-1) VS ISAIAH HILL (4-7) – 3×5 155lbs
RON KESLAR (5-3) VS ERIC LAWSON (9-3) – 3×5 180lbs
GERMAINE DE RANDAMIE (1-1) VS STEPHANIE WEBBER (1-1) – 3×5 135lbs
JAMES TERRY (8-2) VS LUCAS GAMAZA (4-1) – 3×5 170lbs
JENNA CASTILLO (Debut) VS CHARLENE GELLNER (Debut) – 3×5 120lbs
ANTHONY DARIANO (1-0) VS ALAN PEREZ (4-2) – 3×3 150lbs
RICKY JACKSON (3-1) VS NIKO JACKSON (3-2) – 3×3 165lbs
SM BRACAMONTE (1-1) VS ARMIN SAFIARI (Debut) – 3×3 170lbs

Anyone else going? I just got my press pass confirmed. Looking forward to Jenna Castillo's (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57901) first pro MMA fight, James Terry (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51260), and of course, Herschel (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55365).

[sanjuro_ronin]

I'm sorry, is that a male fighyer VS a female fighter in the main event?

[Syn7]

no... there are two cyborg santos'... theyre married and both train at chute boxe... evangelista is the husband and critiane is the wife...

diaz is fighting evangelista, not cristiane... allthough it would be fun to watch diaz vs cristiane santos... shes a fukcing beast woman!!!



i hope jacare destroys lawler... and ofcourse i want diaz to win aswell... its cool to see herschel in there, so i hope he wins too...

thems me predictions :)

[GeneChing]

Stay tuned for my cage match with Gina (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=834). Gene vs. Gina. Sort of has a ring to it, yes?

[Syn7]

Stay tuned for my cage match with Gina (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=834). Gene vs. Gina. Sort of has a ring to it, yes?

i'll never forget that scumbag jared shaw at ginas weigh in when she had to go behind the towel... dude has no class, they all looked, but he's the only one that gawked...

you wanna practice your triangles aye...:p

[GeneChing]

Jenna Castillo on her Pro MMA Debut with STRIKEFORCE (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=943)

[SenseiShellie]

this is actually a really good card! i'd rather watch these fights than the UFC!

[GeneChing]

I was in a meeting all morning so I couldn't attend. There will surely be reports tomorrow.

Also tomorrow (and this is from STRIKEFORCE INSIDER - their e-newsletter):

STRIKEFORCE: DIAZ VS CYBORG WEIGH-IN IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

WHERE:
HP Pavilion at San Jose
525 West Santa Clara Street

WHEN:
Friday, January 28

Doors open at 3:30 p.m./PT
First fighter hits scale at 4:00 p.m./PT

Can't make it in person? Strikeforce.com will be streaming the weigh-ins live!

[GeneChing]

Jan 27, 2011
Strikeforce preview: Grapplers enter as favorites (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2011/01/strikeforce-preview-1/1)
07:29 PM
By Sergio Non, USA TODAY

http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/fighting-stances/2011/01/28/nickdiazx-wide-community.jpg

Nick Diaz has only lost once since the start of 2007.By Jeff Chiu, AP

The first major Strikeforce show of 2011 features two champions, the most promising up-and-comer of mixed martial arts' first family and a former football star. Notable fights for Saturday's Strikeforce show (10 p.m. ET, Showtime) include:

Strikeforce 170-pound title: Nick Diaz (23-7, one no-contest) vs. Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (18-13)

STORY LINE: Diaz defends his belt against a former middleweight whose debut at 170 pounds was impressive enough to land him a title shot in his new division immediately.

CASE FOR DIAZ: Can overwhelm opponents with blizzard of fast, accurate punches. Creative approach to grappling combined with long limbs make him a submission threat to anyone on the ground. Pounces quickly when an opponent appears ripe for a finish. Excellent chin.

CASE FOR SANTOS: Powerful puncher at 170 pounds. Showed improved striking technique and more fluid movement in his last bout. Can take punishment.

BODOG.NET ODDS: Diaz (-500) over Santos (+300)

PICK: Diaz. Santos has become a more disciplined fighter lately, but he faces the same reach and height disadvantages that plagued Frank Shamrock, whom Diaz dismantled with relative ease in the stand-up game. If the fight hits the ground, life gets even harder for Santos.

Strikeforce 185-pound title: Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (13-2) vs. "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (18-6, one no-contest)

STORY LINE: Middleweight champion Souza pits his elite grappling skills against one of the hardest hitters in mixed martial arts.

CASE FOR SOUZA: One of the two best jiu-jitsu practitioners in MMA at 185 pounds, along with Demian Maia. Hugely improved striking technique over the last two years, especially with his jab.

BODOG.NET ODDS: Souza (-260) over Lawler (+200)

CASE FOR LAWLER: Opportunistic striker who will can advantage of the slightest opening in opponents' defenses with his knockout power, which can come from a variety of angles. Good counterwrestler, making him difficult to take down. Might have an endurance edge over Souza, who occasionally has shown signs of fatigue in later rounds.

PICK: Souza. His stand-up game has tightened to the point where he should be able to survive on the feet long enough to close the distance and grapple with Lawler.

Light heavyweight: Roger Gracie (3-0) vs. Trevor Prangley (23-6-1)

STORY LINE: A promising member of a new generation for mixed martial arts' first family faces his most skilled opponent yet.

CASE FOR GRACIE: The light-heavyweight division's most skilled grappler by a wide margin. Prangley has no chance of matching him on the ground.

CASE FOR PRANGLEY: Except in the area of jiu-jitsu, he's better, or at least vastly more experienced.

BODOG.NET ODDS: Gracie (-140) over Prangley (+110)

PICK: Gracie. Prangley is a seasoned, versatile fighter, but it's a matter of time if Gracie can grab hold of him. That said, Prangley has the best chance of any underdog on the card.

Heavyweight: Herschel Walker (1-0) vs. Scott Carson (4-1)

STORY LINE: Ex-football star continues his quest to prove himself as a fighter.

CASE FOR WALKER: All-world athlete, with endurance, explosiveness and stunning fitness for someone of any age, let alone a 48-year-old. Trains six days a week with highly regarded American Kickboxing Academy camp in San Jose. Good takedowns for someone devoid of a wrestling background.

CASE FOR CARSON: Has more fights under his belt.

BODOG.NET ODDS: Walker (-340) over Carson (+160)

PICK: Most of Carson's experience came more than nine years ago. He'll have a hard time keeping up with an athlete of Walker's caliber.
I went to college in San Jose, so I'm rooting for all our local talent, and the fighters with Sanshou history (who are both locals to, of course).

[Syn7]

aww... poor chris... its gotta be hard to watch your husband lose... but i love how diaz doesnt back down one bit and even calls out the whole corner...

whatever... evangelista never really had much more than a punchers chance... he wouldnt have even been there if his wife wasnt champ and his last fight was beyond violent... a married couple, both champs would be good marketing... alas, he took it down and got outclassed in seconds... diaz is a whole different level of "black belt" than cyborg is... but you know diaz is gonna limp tomorrow...


walkers a beast... good for him... he needs to eat that up coz its not gonna be like this for long... he has great hips tho, impressive all considering...

[Three Harmonies]

Limp all the way to the BANK, with a BELT! Awesome fight! Cyborg was either stupid or ****y or both taking Diaz to the ground. Cyborg JUST got his BB from Cleber, Nick has been a serious grappler for years! Foolish maneuver for a kickboxer to take a grappler to the ground!

Great card! I must say though... the Walker fight looked fixed! :o

How about Roger Gracie dominating in MMA too!!! Kid is amazing!

Jake

[Syn7]

Limp all the way to the BANK, with a BELT! Awesome fight! Cyborg was either stupid or ****y or both taking Diaz to the ground. Cyborg JUST got his BB from Cleber, Nick has been a serious grappler for years! Foolish maneuver for a kickboxer to take a grappler to the ground!

Great card! I must say though... the Walker fight looked fixed! :o

How about Roger Gracie dominating in MMA too!!! Kid is amazing!

Jake

yeah the roger fight was nice... totally outclassed his opponent... followed his game plan the whole time and dominated...


i dunno about fixed, but nobody gave carson a shot... i dunno the odds in vegas but they had to be like 5 to 1 or something....

[Frost]

some nice fights, diaz may be an idiot but he can fight, great ground game too

i dont think anyone will be able to live with roger on the ground, if he keeps working his stand up he wil be a title prospect, got to love his hip movement its a thing of beauty

[Syn7]

some nice fights, diaz may be an idiot but he can fight, great ground game too

i dont think anyone will be able to live with roger on the ground, if he keeps working his stand up he wil be a title prospect, got to love his hip movement its a thing of beauty

i think its gonna take a good striker with great wrestling to keep it on the feet and knock him around... i like rogers matches at the mundials... when he took the open div... when was that??? 2007 2009 2010 i think he took open black... every other year he took second... i love that one match in like 2005 with jacare... i know the grappled a few times and i think jacare only won once...

[Frost]

i think its gonna take a good striker with great wrestling to keep it on the feet and knock him around... i like rogers matches at the mundials... when he took the open div... when was that??? 2007 2009 2010 i think he took open black... every other year he took second... i love that one match in like 2005 with jacare... i know the grappled a few times and i think jacare only won once...

at his size he is really a heavyweight so he will find it easy to get in with that long reach of his, his grappling (especially no gi) is just light years ahead of most people, and his standup looked very good in this fight much better than i expected, i think he has been doing a lot of training with some good stand up guys

[GeneChing]

Jenna Castillo won by KO in the 2nd @ 3:59

James Terry won by KO in the 1st @ 3:20

Thanks for representing Sanshou, you two!

I had a great night, thanks to STRIKEFORCE. I'll have my first-hand perspective review and some pix up here later today.

[GeneChing]

As STRIKEFORCE grows, resources for press dwindles. It's a growth thing, and as KungFuMagazine.com, I'm not in the upper echelon of MMA coverage by any means. My first STRIKEFORCE event was the first in CA - Cung's fight (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40708). We got in via the guest list. Since then, I get in on a proper press pass. In the past, STRIKEFORCE has provided programs, a meal, a decent seat and media kits for all press, but now, with so many press attending, less is available. I didn't even get a card sheet and my seat was way in the back corner. Nevertheless, it was a great night of fights, and that was a decent vantage point, all things considered. The bummer is they wouldn't let me shoot near the cage, so I didn't get many photos. I shot Jenna's entrance and was briskly shooed away from the cage, so I wound up shooting the jumbo TV instead.

I got there after the undercard had started. Missed the first fight getting settled. Caught the end of RICKY JACKSON (3-1) VS NIKO JACKSON (3-2) but didn't catch who won. Same goes for ANTHONY DARIANO (1-0) VS ALAN PEREZ (4-2) because I was trying (and failing) to secure a good photo position for Jenna's fight.

JENNA CASTILLO (Debut) VS CHARLENE GELLNER (Debut)
I caught the entrance before I was escorted back to my seat in the media section.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs070.snc6/167997_10150134929189363_135964689362_7945089_3720 922_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs048.snc6/167867_10150134928594363_135964689362_7945071_4121 010_n.jpg
Jenna opened with a lot of Muay Thai knees and stay on top during the clinches. She was fighting Lisbeth Salander (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1016193)(and I say that will all due respect to Gellner - she's a beautiful women with a bright mohawk and a lot of tats).
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs067.snc6/167771_10150134928694363_135964689362_7945074_5840 501_n.jpg
Jenna caught Gellner with a brutal uppercut, punch, knee combo for the KO.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs899.ash1/180700_10150134928759363_135964689362_7945076_3300 406_n.jpg

JAMES TERRY (8-2) VS LUCAS GAMAZA (4-1)
Terry dominated Gamaza, mostly with punches. It was a quick KO. Very impressive.

GERMAINE DE RANDAMIE (1-1) VS STEPHANIE WEBBER (1-1)
I watched this one because Jenna said I should and because I like women fights a lot. De Randamie had more reach and landed some high knees to the head from the clinch. TKO Rd 1 @ 4:25.

I took a break to get dinner after that fight. I was bummed because BOBBY STACK (8-1) VS ISAIAH HILL (4-7) looked great. Hill jumped over a chute and followed with a spectacular flying knee. I saw it in the press courtesy room, which was exciting but not nearly as cool as being in the house with the crowd cheering. Hill won with a triangle in RD 1. Didn't get the time because there was no sound in the press room.

NATE MOORE (6-2) VS NATHAN COY (8-3)
Beautiful punch to the head - KO Rd 2 @ 25 sec.

[GeneChing]

One of the MMA web channels was doing interviews in the corner. It attracted a lot of fans and some celebs.

It's Hammer Time!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs006.snc6/165619_10150134928919363_135964689362_7945081_8026 799_n.jpg

Me posing with Fabricio Werdum. He struck me as humble and pleasant. He was very open with the fans.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs069.snc6/167975_10150134934019363_135964689362_7945187_8288 571_n.jpg

[GeneChing]

ROGER GRACIE VS TREVOR PRANGLEY
The fight started out slow so the impatient audience was booing. Gracie took out Prangley like an anaconda - it was total constriction, boa fu, as Gracie coiled around his prey, showing again why BJJ is just not to be messed with on the ground. RNC RD 1 @ 4:19

HERSCHEL WALKER VS SCOTT CARSON
Walker has the back of a rhino - a thick armored mass of NFL muscle. He dominated Carson. It was like feeding a Christian to a lion. Carson never even got his guard up and looked frightened through the match. I would be to with that hulking rhino charging down on me. Total G&P, Heisman style! There was a great cheer when Walker knocked Carson's mouthpiece out. RD 1 TKO 3:13 strikes.

RONALDO “JACARE” SOUZA VS “RUTHLESS” ROBBIE LAWLER
Another slow start, more boos from the impatient crowd, but he match paid out as there were some explosive exchanges and a great arm bar evasion trades. Jacare proves to be another anaconda with a well executed RD 3 RNC at 2 min 8 sec

NICK DIAZ VS EVANGELISTA “CYBORG” SANTOS
Mr. & Mrs Cyborg have become the top San Jose STRIKEFORCE villains. They are certainly the most formidable couple in MMA now. I liked Cyborg's mouthpiece which looked like bloody fangs, adding to the overall Cyborg villain look.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs047.snc6/167703_10150134928974363_135964689362_7945082_1630 755_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs047.snc6/167773_10150134929049363_135964689362_7945085_3331 380_n.jpg
I like Diaz tho - always have - not just because he's vegan and local. He's got this attitude that I just enjoy watching in combat.

My wife somehow managed to text me right when RD 1 and RD 2 started. How do wives do that? It was horribly distracting as I have to respond, but no way can I split my attention between texting and watching a live fight. :mad:

Cyborg shut him out at the beginning with kicks, but Diaz countered with a terrific assault of punches to Cyborg's head. Cyborg got wobbly, but being Cyborg, he just wouldn't go down. He had to get that armbar. RND 2 @ 4:50.

Here's a post-fight press conference shot with Jacare & Hershel. I didn't stay for all of it.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs074.snc6/168397_10150134928554363_135964689362_7945070_6045 69_n.jpg

[Lucas]

Awesome fights! Props!!!!

[GeneChing]

8 fighters suspended


8 Fighters Suspended Following ‘Diaz vs. Cyborg’ (http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/8-Fighters-Suspended-Following-Diaz-vs-Cyborg-29840)
Monday, January 31, 2011
by Sherdog.com Staff

Robbie Lawler (Pictured) was issued a six-month medical suspension by the California State Athletic Commission following his third-round submission loss to Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza in the Strikeforce “Diaz vs. Cyborg” co-headliner on Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Lawler was suspended for 180 days, with no contact for 180 days, due to a possible fracture to his left foot. He can be cleared early by a physician. Lawler submitted to a rear-naked choke from Souza, a five-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion who has established himself as one of the premier middleweights in mixed martial arts.

Meanwhile, American Kickboxing Academy representative Nate Moore was also issued a six-month medical suspension due to possible fractures to his right wrist and hand. Like Lawler, he can be cleared early by a physician. Moore knocked out former Sportfight welterweight champion Nathan Coy 25 seconds into the second round of their undercard encounter.

Moore was suspended indefinitely, with no contact for 90 days, following the first KO loss of his career. A head scan and clearance from a medical doctor will be required before the Team Quest standout can return to the cage.

Strikeforce ‘Diaz vs. Cyborg’ Medical Suspensions

• Charlene Gellner: Suspended 45 days, with no contact for 30 days, and needs new physical.

• Lucas Gamaza: Suspended 45 days, with no contact for 30 days, and needs new physical.

• Stephanie Webber: Suspended 45 days, with no contact for 30 days, and needs new physical.

• Eric Lawson: Suspended 60 days, with no contact for 60 days, for two right ear lacerations, but he may be cleared by a physician.

• Nathan Coy: Suspended indefinitely -- in addition to 90 days, with no contact for 90 days -- until he undergoes head scan and receives clearance from a medical doctor.

• Nate Moore: Suspended 180 days, with no contact for 180 days, due to possible fractures in right wrist and third right metacarpal, but he may be cleared by a physician.

• Scott Carson: Suspended 45 days, with no contact for 30 days, and needs new physical.

• Robbie Lawler: Suspended 180 days, with no contact for 180 days, due to possible fracture in left foot, but he may be cleared by a physician.

[Syn7]

its pretty standard for people to be suspended after they fight... its not a penalty, like its sounds... its just protection for the fighters and more importantly it satisfies the insurers... there are mandatory suspensions for various things like knockouts and such...

[Three Harmonies]

I posted a link to the undercard fights here on my blog. (http://threeharmonies.blogspot.com/2011/01/strikeforce-undercard.html)

[GeneChing]

That's a great photo on Sherdog's VOD page (http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Free-Video-on-Demand-Strikeforce-Diaz-vs-Cyborg-Undercard-29788) for this undercard.

http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/thumbnail_crop/600/_images/pictures/20110129094950_video_ondemand.JPG

Yes, I know about suspensions, Syn7. I think they should be stricter. Did you know that they are state regulated? Any of those fighters could fight tomorrow if they step across a state border. Way to keep the sport safe, eh? :rolleyes: