Author: SethF

‘Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine’ Aftermath: Going through the Motions, as Usual


In a disturbing instance of foreshadowing, Scott Coker waits way too long to intervene. Props: Five Ounces of Pain

We’ll be honest: It’s getting pretty hard to write Strikeforce aftermath articles anymore. With a Strikeforce event, you already know that the favorite is going to win. You already know that the champions have run out of legitimate challengers. Every aftermath piece we’ve written for a Strikeforce event since the UFC’s acquisition of the organization demonstrates this. Essentially, the organization is going through the motions, yet we have to find a way to write something original about it.

Heading into Rockhold vs. Jardine, it was pretty clear that the organization was giving Jardine a title shot out of convenience. He was healthy, available and had a name that fans recognized. Because Strikeforce isn’t planning on growing as an organization, those qualifications were enough to earn him a title shot against Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold, despite never having competed at middleweight before. The fight didn’t come off as a legitimate title fight- it came off as a litmus test for Rockhold.

Keith Jardine gave us the same performance that we’ve come to expect from him. His awkward movement and looping punches seemed to confuse Rockhold at first, but once Luke Rockhold managed to figure out Jardine’s style he controlled the fight. While looking like a guy who hadn’t weighed 185 pounds since the ninth grade didn’t help Keith Jardine’s cause, it’s hard to imagine that a less fatigued Dean of Mean would have done significantly better. Luke Rockhold is the younger, more diverse fighter. Jardine is the same fighter that had been figured out years ago, except now he’s in the twilight of his career. A prospect that’s ready for the big leagues can beat an opponent like Keith Jardine, and that’s exactly what Rockhold did.


In a disturbing instance of foreshadowing, Scott Coker waits way too long to intervene. Props: Five Ounces of Pain

We’ll be honest: It’s getting pretty hard to write Strikeforce aftermath articles anymore. With a Strikeforce event, you already know that the favorite is going to win. You already know that the champions have run out of legitimate challengers. Every aftermath piece we’ve written for a Strikeforce event since the UFC’s acquisition of the organization demonstrates this. Essentially, the organization is going through the motions, yet we have to find a way to write something original about it.

Heading into Rockhold vs. Jardine, it was pretty clear that the organization was giving Jardine a title shot out of convenience. He was healthy, available and had a name that fans recognized. Because Strikeforce isn’t planning on growing as an organization, those qualifications were enough to earn him a title shot against Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold, despite never having competed at middleweight before. The fight didn’t come off as a legitimate title fight- it came off as a litmus test for Rockhold.  

Keith Jardine gave us the same performance that we’ve come to expect from him. His awkward movement and looping punches seemed to confuse Rockhold at first, but once Luke Rockhold managed to figure out Jardine’s style he controlled the fight. While looking like a guy who hadn’t weighed 185 pounds since the ninth grade didn’t help Keith Jardine’s cause, it’s hard to imagine that a less fatigued Dean of Mean would have done significantly better. Luke Rockhold is the younger, more diverse fighter. Jardine is the same fighter that had been figured out years ago, except now he’s in the twilight of his career. A prospect that’s ready for the big leagues can beat an opponent like Keith Jardine, and that’s exactly what Rockhold did.

Still, don’t expect Luke Rockhold’s next fight to be in the UFC. The UFC’s middleweight division already has challengers waiting for Anderson Silva- they don’t need to rush him out of the minors just yet. Besides, Strikeforce still has a legitimate challenger for Rockhold in the form of Tim Kennedy. If he can get past an opponent of Kennedy’s caliber, then expect him to earn a call up.

It was good to watch Robbie Lawler get back in the win column last night, as expected. After eating an illegal knee from Amagov, Lawler responded with a devastating flying knee of his own. While Lawler may not be getting a call up any time soon, he is always an exciting fighter to watch. On the other end of the spectrum, King Mo’s brutal knockout over Lorenz Larkin may have earned him a call up. Aside from a rematch with Rafael Cavalcante, there aren’t any compelling fights left for King Mo in Strikeforce. He’s demonstrated that he’s capable of surviving in the big leagues. Plus, his ongoing beef with Rampage Jackson makes for a compelling matchup.

Also of note, exactly one year after their first meeting, Tyron Woodley and Tarec Saffiedine more than likely set themselves up for a rematch against each other. Both men outworked their opponents en route to a split decision victory. While Woodley arguably should have won by unanimous decision, Saffiedine fought a much closer bout with Tyler Stinson, being caught early but managing to take control in the second and third rounds. Time will tell if this rematch will be for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight title as well.

Full results, courtesy of MMAWeekly.com:

Main Bouts (on Showtime):
-Luke Rockhold def. Keith Jardine by TKO (strikes) at 4:26, R1
-Robbie Lawler def. Adlan Amagov by TKO (knee and strikes) at 1:48, R1
-Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal def. Lorenz Larkin by TKO (strikes) at 1:32, R2
-Tyron Woodley def. Jordan Mein by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
-Tarec Saffiedine def. Tyler Stinson by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Preliminary Bouts (on Sho Extreme):
-Nah-Shon Burrell def. James Terry by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
-Gian Villante def. Trevor Smith by TKO (punches) at 1:05, R1
-Ricky Legere def. Chris Spang by unanimous decision (29-28 on all cards)
-Estevan Payan def. Alonzo Martinez by unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards)

– @SethFalvo

Better Know a Fighter: Max Holloway

Max Holloway highlights, compiled by SideBang Enterprises. By the way, you may want to watch this one without volume. You’re welcome in advance.

If you’ve been paying attention, the name Max Holloway should be familiar to you. If you haven’t, put on that dunce cap and write “Holloway is stepping in for an injured Ricardo Lamas to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC on Fox 2” twenty times on the chalk board. That’ll teach you.

While Poirier is a tough draw, especially for a guy making his UFC debut, Holloway is no slouch himself, despite only having four professional fights to his credit. Here’s what you need to know about “the other Lil Evil”, Max Holloway:

-Holloway is a twenty year old Hawaiian prospect who has compiled a 4-0 professional record. Three of his four victories have come via decision, with his sole stoppage being a first round knockout against then 12-17 Bryson Kamaka in 2010.

-Don’t let the lack of stoppages fool you into thinking Holloway is a boring fighter. Known for his unorthodox striking and exceptional conditioning, Lil Evil blitzes opponents early and often. And despite being six feet tall, Max Holloway prefers to stay in the pocket against opponents.

More on Max Holloway, including more fight vids, after the jump


Max Holloway highlights, compiled by SideBang Enterprises. By the way, you may want to watch this one without volume. You’re welcome in advance.

If you’ve been paying attention, the name Max Holloway should be familiar to you. If you haven’t, put on that dunce cap and write “Holloway is stepping in for an injured Ricardo Lamas to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC on Fox 2” twenty times on the chalk board. That’ll teach you.

While Poirier is a tough draw, especially for a guy making his UFC debut, Holloway is no slouch himself, despite only having four professional fights to his credit. Here’s what you need to know about “the other Lil Evil”, Max Holloway:

-Holloway is a twenty year old Hawaiian prospect who has compiled a 4-0 professional record. Three of his four victories have come via decision, with his sole stoppage being a first round knockout against then 12-17 Bryson Kamaka in 2010.

-Don’t let the lack of stoppages fool you into thinking Holloway is a boring fighter. Known for his unorthodox striking and exceptional conditioning, Lil Evil blitzes opponents early and often. And despite being six feet tall, Max Holloway prefers to stay in the pocket against opponents.

-Holloway’s fighting style has drawn a lot of comparisons to former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. So many that Jeremy Stephens actually recruited Max Holloway to help him prepare for his bout with Pettis at UFC 136.

-In March 2011, Holloway won the X-1 lightweight championship with a split decision victory over WEC/Strikeforce veteran Harris Sarmiento. It was only his third fight as a professional.

-His most recent fight was a decision victory over then 3-5 Eddie Rincon on July 1, 2011.

 
Holloway vs. Kamaka

 
Holloway vs. Rincon, part one

 
Holloway vs. Rincon, part two

Houston Alexander catches son Talking Dirty, Challenges him to Boxing Match, gets Arrested


“Back up, homie: What the hell is ‘Face Book’?”

As MMA fans, we’ve seen our fair share of “WTF” moments. From freak show fights to flashy knockouts to Jon Fitch partying like a rockstar to freaking Jose Canseco, you would think that we’ve seen it all and nothing could surprise us. Yet sometimes a story comes along that is so bizarre that even we are unable to make sense of it.

Houston Alexander returned to the spotlight this weekend. When we last checked in on the former UFC light heavyweight, he was getting his lights turned out by ex-hockey enforcer Steve Bosse. If you thought that was as low as things could get for Alexander, then prepare to flabbergasted.

Here is the latest update on Alexander, courtesy of KMTV News Omaha, via MiddleEasy:


“Back up, homie: What the hell is ‘Face Book’?”

As MMA fans, we’ve seen our fair share of “WTF” moments. From freak show fights to flashy knockouts to Jon Fitch partying like a rockstar to freaking Jose Canseco, you would think that we’ve seen it all and nothing could surprise us. Yet sometimes a story comes along that is so bizarre that even we are unable to make sense of it.    

Houston Alexander returned to the spotlight this weekend. When we last checked in on the former UFC light heavyweight, he was getting his lights turned out by ex-hockey enforcer Steve Bosse. If you thought that was as low as things could get for Alexander, then prepare to flabbergasted.

Here is the latest update on Alexander, courtesy of KMTV News Omaha, via MiddleEasy:

Police ticketed popular MMA fighter Houston Alexander for child abuse after the 39-year-old became upset with his 16-year-old and made him box with him.

Police reports say officers were called to a home near 44th and Maple for a domestic disturbance. The older Alexander told them he was having trouble with his teen son, who was “having explicit sexual contact on Facebook with some unknown females.” The 16-year-old reportedly lied and “made him very upset.”

According to police reports, “Alexander then retrieved boxing gloves and told his son, ‘If you are going to lie to me, then we are going to box.’” The two reportedly boxed in the basement. Officers describe the teen as having a “slight bloody nose and pain to his right side.”

Alexander was cited for misdemeanor [sic] child abuse.

In other words, “The Assassin” caught his son talking dirty to some lady friends on Facebook. When his son lied about it, Houston Alexander challenged him to fight on the spot. After the impromptu boxing match, police arrested Houston for child abuse.

We may be hack journalists, but even we have our limits. If there’s two things we don’t joke about at Cage Potato, it’s child abuse and surprise vans– so we’ll decline to comment on this any further. You guys in the comments section, on the other hand….

Video: By the way, Kimbo Slice is now 3-0 as a Professional Boxer


Kimbo, looking like Rick Ross with slightly better cardio

You know, I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen this happen before.

While you were busy watching UFC 141, Kimbo Slice looked to improve his professional boxing record to 3-0 at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. So far in his boxing career, the Shaws have been feeding Kimbo cans with losing records, and Kimbo has been capitalizing in devastating fashion. Friday night, however, Kimbo Slice was given his toughest test in his young boxing career in Charles Hackmann, a fitness instructor making his professional boxing debut after taking the bout on just one day’s notice.

It’s almost like the guy was brought in to lose *snickers*, yet he held his own against the former UFC fighter (sigh), almost pulling off the upset in the second round. The action wasn’t as fast-paced as Cruz vs. Johnson, yet you wouldn’t know it by how badly both fighters gassed in the third and fourth rounds. When it was all said and done, Kimbo improved to 3-0, yet had major holes in his game exposed.

Video, courtesy of Iron forges Iron, after the jump.


Kimbo, looking like Rick Ross with slightly better cardio

You know, I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen this happen before.

While you were busy watching UFC 141, Kimbo Slice looked to improve his professional boxing record to 3-0 at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. So far in his boxing career, the Shaws have been feeding Kimbo cans with losing records, and Kimbo has been capitalizing in devastating fashion. Friday night, however, Kimbo Slice was given his toughest test in his young boxing career in Charles Hackmann, a fitness instructor making his professional boxing debut after taking the bout on just one day’s notice. 

It’s almost like the guy was brought in to lose (snickers), yet he held his own against the former UFC fighter (sigh), almost pulling off the upset in the second round. The action wasn’t as fast-paced as Cruz vs. Johnson, yet you wouldn’t know it by how badly both fighters gassed in the third and fourth rounds. When it was all said and done, Kimbo improved to 3-0, yet had major holes in his game exposed.  

Video, courtesy of Iron forges Iron, after the jump.


bo vs ch by JMMANow

So what say you, Potato Nation? Does Kimbo rebound in his next fight and silence his critics? Does Kimbo get knocked out by a metrosexual journeyman? Let us know in the comments section.

Knockout of the Holiday Season: Adam Aliev wins via first round Tornado Kick

Props to MiddleEasy for the video

Merry Christmas from all of us at Cage Potato. For those of you who celebrate, we hope you have better plans for the holiday than getting trashed and watching the return of that other winter sport, like at least one member of the Cage Potato staff plans on doing. You know, maybe you can talk to your family or friends today. Or exchange gifts. Whatever works for you.


Props to MiddleEasy for the video

Merry Christmas from all of us at Cage Potato. For those of you who celebrate, we hope you have better plans for the holiday than getting trashed and watching the return of that other winter sport, like at least one member of the Cage Potato staff plans on doing. You know, maybe you can talk to your family or friends today. Or exchange gifts. Whatever works for you.

Speaking of gifts, we already gave you your present yesterday. But since all that egg nog has us feeling extra generous today, we’ve got one more for you. The above video is from a middleweight fight at League S-70 Fight Nights, which took place on December 22 in Volgograd, Russia. Half way through the first round, 13-6 Alexei Belyaev picked the wrong time to drop his hands while faced with the unorthodox attack of 1-0 prospect Adam Aliev. Anyone who has a future in this sport will make you pay for such a mistake, and dear lord does Adam Aliev make Alexei Belyaev pay for it.

Enjoy your holidays, Potato Nation.

Good News of the Day: Dan Miller schedules Surgery for Son


The toughest fighter you’ll see all day. Pic via Daniel James Miller Foundation.

As you know, we’ve been following an unfortunate story regarding UFC middleweight Dan Miller‘s son, Danny Jr., who is suffering from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and needs a kidney transplant. The transplant itself is going to cost $100,000, not to mention the additional $10,000 per month in medication for at least one year that is only partially covered by his insurance. We’ve been asking for your help with donations, and you have been generous to the cause so far.

The struggle is by no means over, but we’re pleased to learn that Daniel James Miller has a kidney transplant scheduled for late-January, according to MMAJunkie.com. The surgery was made possible by significant donations from UFC co-owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White.


The toughest fighter you’ll see all day. Pic via Daniel James Miller Foundation.

As you know, we’ve been following an unfortunate story regarding UFC middleweight Dan Miller‘s son, Danny Jr., who is suffering from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and needs a kidney transplant. The transplant itself is going to cost $100,000, not to mention the additional $10,000 per month in medication for at least one year that is only partially covered by his insurance. We’ve been asking for your help with donations, and you have been generous to the cause so far.

The struggle is by no means over, but we’re pleased to learn that Daniel James Miller has a kidney transplant scheduled for late-January, according to MMAJunkie.com. The surgery was made possible by significant donations from UFC co-owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White.

While this is certainly a welcomed update, let’s make sure to remember two important things:

1.) As fans, we’re quick to point out when Dana White makes a questionable decision. Let’s make sure we also applaud him for standing up for one of his fighters.

2.) Dan Miller still has $10,000 per month to pay for medication for the next year after his surgery. Your generosity is still needed.

For more info on Danny’s disease or the Daniel James Miller Foundation, including how to donate, click HERE. Thank you for your help so far.