The Strikeforce World Grand Prix, a heavyweight tournament that started with such promise last year, finally came to an end tonight in San Jose, California.
Once expected to crown a fighter who could arguably be the top heavyweight in the world, the tournament fell apart when the two favorites, Fedor Emelianenko and Alistair Overeem, were upset and left the promotion respectively.
That left openings for veteran Josh Barnett and prospect Daniel Cormier to write their names in the history books, and the two delivered. Cormier dominated Barnett, alternating between outboxing the former UFC champion and slamming him on his head with superlative wrestling.
Overall, it was a pretty exciting night of fights on Showtime. Some winners and losers are obvious. We record their names in the record book. But sometimes, you can lose by winning and vice versa.
Who were the real winners and losers? The ones who will never be recorded for posterity, living only in our memories?
Let’s explore.