Preview: Strikeforce Fedor vs. Silva

I can’t believe it’s almost time that we get to see Fedor Emelianenko in action again. His last fight was a surprising fight for all and a disappointment for many, as “The Last Emperor” was tapped out via a triangle choke by Fabricio Verdum. Now we get to see how Fedor comes back from his first real loss in his eleven year fighting career. This fight also marks the first round of Strikeforce’s Heavyweight Grand Prix, which in my opinion, barring any weird slip-ups, will crown the number one fighter at this weight class in the world.

Fedor’s opponent, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva,  is a great fighter and has hands as big as his monster jaw. Although I do like Silva, I would like to see this giant fall via a right hand from Fedor or, even more preferably, a stunning armlock.

Sherdog has a great breakdown of the whole card including this match up. In addition, Bloody Elbow has a good list of predictions from their staff on the whole card.

The only thing I can predict about tomorrow night is that I’m going to be sitting in a sports bar in Albuquerque, eating food that’s too expensive for the quality, and not giving a crap because my eyes will be glued to what I hope is a great night of fights.

Preview videos to get you pumped after the jump. Read more »

Fedor vs. Werdum is Official for June 26th

After weeks, even months, of speculation and talk between M1 Global and Strikeforce, we have heard the good news from Sherdog and Bloody Elbow that Fedor vs. Werdum is on for June 26th. The event will be cosponsored by said promotions and aired live on Showtime.

Let the hype, analysis, predictions… and the wait continue.

Fedor vs. Rogers Set for CBS! Plus, TUF 10 Debuts

Mark your calendars! It looks like come November 7th Fedor and Strikeforce will make their network TV debut on CBS. According to MMAJunkie.com, the deal was announced today, but it is yet to be determined where the event will be held and what other bouts will be on the official card alongside Fedor vs. Rogers.

The return to prime time network TV is pretty huge for MMA in general, and we can only hope that Strikeforce can capitalize on the opportunity and succeed where the EliteXC failed previously. Strikeforce has already had success with recent events broadcast on Showtime, and I hope they can keep the ball rolling. They’ve certainly been dealt a good hand with Fedor on board, so it’s not too surprising that they’re playing him out on a broader stage. I can’t wait to see what happens. Read more »

Affliction is Dead

It seems there was no turning back or recovery for Affliction following Wednesday’s Josh Barnett fiasco. Unable to adequately patch up the holes in their venue, Affliction: Trilogy was canceled, and the entirety of Affliction as a promotion flatlined. Supposedly, there were rumors that they had talked with both Strikeforce and the UFC about possible mergers, even before recent events, but in any case, they’re majorly in the doghouse now. It’s official that Affliction will salvage what they can and re-enlist as a brand sponsor (i.e. stick to making clothes) for the UFC. This is somewhat ironic considering the less than friendly relationship Affliction and the UFC/Dana White have had with each other. Dana White practically called out their demise last year. Of course, Dana White likes to talk and present himself as an asshole, so it’s not surprising that he’d rejoice over fallen competition. But really, who else would you turn to when you’re struggling and the UFC is raking in the big bucks? Read more »

Barnett Pulled Out of Fight

I am seriously seriously seriously disappointed and pissed at today’s news!!!!  This was THE fight to watch for me this summer, and now poof! Gone!

After hopping on to Sherdog, I read a series of updates stating that Josh Barnett tested positive for some form of anabolic steroid, and therefore, he would not be licensed for the Affliction and M-1 Global “Trilogy” event August 1st where he would have fought Fedor. SOOO DISAPPOINTING! Ugh…

I mean, Josh Barnett is a nice, good guy, and I hope this doesn’t tarnish his name. Read more »

Fedor Emeilianenko vs. Josh Barnett

On my mind right now  is the up and coming Affliction/WAMMA heavy weight championship fight between Fedor Emeilianenko and Josh Barnett. Now, this in my mind is the greatest possible fight over 205. These are the world’s best!

My dilemma is that I like both fighters, for what they do in and outside the ring. Fedor is a great ambassador for the sport, showing that you can be the baddest man on the planet without being  a disrespectful muscle-head that caters to WWE fans. He’s a real mixed martial artist who has both amazing submissions and knockouts.

Josh similarly is a great fighter, not as great as Fedor in my humble opinion, but he is an even greater coach and all around cool guy. For example, the greatest female fighter pound for pound, Megumi Fujii, has been trained by him for years and anyone who’s cool enough to hang out with Mega-Megu, is cool in my book. Read more »