GUT REACTION

Let me state for the record that I’m not a huge fan of EliteXC or Strikeforce. However, last night they had some very entertaining fights highlighted by the Main Event of Frank Shamrock and Cung Le. I now have a new found respect for Shamrock, who knowing he should take the fight to the ground, stayed true to his word and stood and banged (much to his detriment) with the much better striker in Le. The San Shou Kickboxer showed that he is for real, landing several kicks to the body and head, and stuffing Shamrocks two takedown attempts. Shamrock’s problem was blocking those kicks which led to a broken right arm. This was evident when he threw his last punch, and when he couldn’t get his arm up to block the last two head kicks. The self proclaimed “Greatest Middleweight in the World “ couldn’t answer the bell for the 4th rd, as he writhed in pain on the canvas. Cung Le is now the Strikeforce Middleweight Champ, and I couldn’t help but wonder while I watched him pick apart a very accomplished fighter (Shamrock) how great would a Cung Le- Anderson Silva fight be? Hopefully Dana White was watching and thinking the same thing.
The night started off with Ryan Jensen (who took the fight on practically no notice) getting KO’d by Joey Villasenor in the 1st round. I know it’s a good rule of thumb to make sure your opponents finished, but Jensen was clearly out cold. Smokin Joe didn’t need to land that last shot. Mike Kyle made his return from suspension, but it didn’t last long, as he was defeated by armbar by Wayne Cole in only 42 seconds. Gilbert Melendez returned to his winning ways, by pounding out a victory over a “very game” but overwhelmed Gabe Lemley. Melendez via TKO strikes at 2:18 of round 2.
Drew Fickett solidified his position as a #1 contender as he defeated (the injured Jake Shields stand in) Jae Suk Lim by guillotine choke at 1:14 of round #1. Overall it was a good night of fights, now if they could just get some different announcers.
In case you haven’t heard Tim Sylvia is leaving the UFC for Adrenaline MMA, formerly M-1 Global. I don’t think many tears will be shed, as Sylvia’s not exactly a fan favorite. He’ll be joined by IFL Heavyweight Ben Rothwell, both of the Militech camp. Jeff Monson is also signed on with Adrenaline, oh boy! Maybe we’ll get to see Sylvia-Monson 2, lets hope not.