Lightweight Josh Neer has been released by the UFC after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Gleison Tibau last Saturday at UFC 104, his second-straight loss and third in his last four fights.

Pictured: Josh Neer

“Babalu’s a tough fighter. He matches up well with anybody because he’s strong in every area,” said Southworth. “I’m the same. I feel I have good wrestling, good standup, and good Jiu-Jitsu skills. This is a step up in competition, but my camp is working hard to prepare me and we’re coming to win.”

“I’m definitely going to be looking for the knockout,” said Sobral. “I’m one month away and I’m 218 lbs. right now. I’m feeling great. I will be strong enough to win this fight.”

Also on the card, UFC veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs will return to the 170-pound welterweight division in a featured bout against Luke Stewart (6-1) and Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) will defend his title against an opponent to-be-announced.

Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction”, priced from $30, go on sale this Monday at 10am PT and can be purchased at the HP Pavilion, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, and Strikeforce.com.

A series of clips featuring TUF 1 cast members UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin, Chris Leben, Stephan Bonnar, Josh Koscheck, Nate Quarry, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez, Bobby Southworth, and Mike Swick  will air during “The Ultimate Fighter 1″ marathon featuring all 12 episodes and the season’s finale on Saturday, September 13 (9:00 AM – 11:30 PM, ET/PT) on Spike TV.

The “Ultimate Fighter 1″ alums reconvened where it all took place, at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas, and reflected on the highs and lows from their experience on the key reality series which launched the UFC into the mainstream with a superb finale bout between Griffin and Bonnar.

Moderated by Joe Rogan, the panel of fighters discuss how much their lives have changed since the show’s premiere, both professionally and personally. UFC President Dana White and host of the series will talk about the profound impact the show has had on his company and the sport of mixed martial arts.

The 38-year-old Southworth sustained the knee injury during a routine training session at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose. A physician, who pinpointed the affected areas, has ordered Southworth to undergo an MRI exam to determine the extent of the damage and to go through four to six weeks of physical therapy.

Ruiz, a 30-year-old resident of Modesto, California, is coming off a July 26th unanimous judges’ decision victory over Jeremy Freitag.

Ruiz holds a 1-1 record against Southworth. After their initial meeting, a non-title bout on November 16, 2007, was stopped 52 seconds into the second round due to a cut Ruiz had opened around Southworth’s eye, Ruiz was awarded a win by TKO.

Southworth avenged the loss by legging out a five-round, unanimous judges’ decision over Ruiz at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on June 27th.

“Strikeforce At The Mansion II” will be highlighted by a showdown between 2006 Pride Fighting Championship Grand Prix winner and world top 10 ranked, Kazuo “Grabaka Hitman” Misaki (20-8-2), and 25-year-old former UFC star, Joe “Diesel “Riggs (28-10).

Twenty-four year old thoroughbred Cory “The One” Devela (9-1) will bid for his eighth consecutive victory when he takes on what is arguably his most dangerous challenge to date, heavy-handed Terry Martin (17-5), in a middleweight (185 lb. limit) contest

Newly crowned Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) will also return to action in a three-round, non-title matchup with Lion’s Den prodigy Ashe Bowman (10-4).

According to the report Strikeforce lightweight champ Josh Thomson and Billy Evangelista will also be in action at the event, though opponents have not yet been determined for either fighter.

Joe Riggs vs. Kazuo Misaki has also been officially confirmed for the September card.

After being released from the UFC for failing to release a submission choke in a victory over David Heath at UFC 74 in 2007, Sobral has posted back-to-back victories including a unanimous decision win over Mike Whitehead at Affliction “Banned” in July.

Southworth has won three of his last four including a successful title defense over Anthony Ruiz in June.

• UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre has been nominated for the 2008 Best Fighter ESPY. To vote for GSP visit espys.tv.

• The UFC has cut light heavyweight PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura. Nakamura was 0-2 inside the octagon including his most recent loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at UFC 84 in May.
• WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber will likely fight again in September at WEC 36 against Mike Brown.
• Josh Thomson took home $35,000 for his main event unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce 10. Melendez earned $50,000 in the loss and Bobby Southworth received $25,000 for his successful title defense over Anthony Ruiz. Also, all fighters from the event tested clean for performance enhancing drugs and drugs of abuse.
• Edwin Dewees will replace Vernon White against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at Affliction “Banned” on July 19th.
• UFC 89, which is headlined by a clash between rising middleweight contenders Michael Bisping and Chris Leben, will likely be shown on tape delay on Spike TV.
• The Association of Boxing Commissions has passed revised Universal Rules of Mixed Martial Arts at their annual conference in Montreal. Most notably, the revised rules more specifically define illegal strikes to the back of the head and make downward elbows, which were previously banned, legal.
• Anderson Silva wants to fight three more times before the end of the year including his July 19th light heavyweight debut against James Irvin on Spike TV. If Silva emerges victorious (and relatively uninjured) from the main event bout he plans on fighting at UFC 88 on September 6th in Atlanta as well as in November or December. Next up for Silva is 185-pound number-one contender Yushin Okami followed by Patrick Cote.
• Welterweights Ryo Chonan and Roan Carneiro will clash at UFC 88 on September 6th in Atlanta. The fight, which was originally set for UFC 85 in June but postponed due to an injury suffered by Chonan, is a rematch of a February 2005 bout which Chonan won via third-round TKO due to a cut.
• Andrei Arlovski will make his professional boxing debut on September 13th in the opening bout of the Casamayor-Marquez HBO pay-per-view. No opponent has been named for the bout.
• EliteXC has applied for a Nevada promoter’s license to hold events in the state, most likely in Las Vegas. Affliction has not yet filed an application for a Nevada promoter’s license.
• Lightweights Sam Stout and Paul Kelly will square off at UFC 89 on October 18th in Birmingham, England.
• UFC 86 drew an official attendance of 11,172 for an official live gate of $3.2 million.
• Forrest Griffin took home an official purse of $250,000, including a $100,000 win bonus, for his unanimous decision victory over Quinton Jackson in the main event of UFC 86. Jackson received $225,000.

The event featured a Strikeforce lightweight championship bout between title-holder Gilbert Melendez and challenger Josh Thomson and a Strikeforce light heavyweight championship fight between reigning-champion Bobby Southworth and challenger Anthony Ruiz.

Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com for the latest Strikeforce news.

QUICK RESULTS

• Josh Thomson def. Gilbert Melendez (c) via unanimous decision
  Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
• Billy Evangelista def. Nam Phan via split decision
• Bobby Southworth (c) def. Anthony Ruiz via unanimous decision
  Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship
• Miesha Tate def. Elaina Maxwell via unanimous decision
• Jeremiah Metcalf def. Raymond Daniels via submission – Round 2, 0:59
• Chris Cariaso def. Anthony Figueroa via submission – Round 2, 4:34
• Bobby Stack def. Jose Palacios via unanimous decision
• Brian Caraway def. Alvin Cacdac via submission – Round 1, 1:39
• Eric Lawson def. Jesse Gillespie via submission – Round 1, 1:03
• Cyrillo Padhillo def. Jesse Jones via unanimous decision
• Jorge Interiano def. Travis Johnson via TKO – Round 2, 3:00
• Alexander Trivino def. Eric Jacob via submission – Round 1, 0:37

Continue reading for complete, round-by-round results from Strikeforce 10 “Melendez vs. Thomson”…

ROUND-BY-ROUND RESULTS

JOSH THOMSON DEF. GILBERT MELENDEZ (c)
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship

ROUND 1 – Melendez throws a jab early as the fighters circle one another. Melenez closes the distance and presses Thomson to the cage. Thomson connects with a knee then secures an early takedown. Thomson presses Melendez against the cage and works ground and pound. Mlendez gets away from the cage and keeps Thomson is half guard but is able to do little from the bottom. Melendez reverses on top of Thomson then they return to their feet. Kick by Thomson misses. They trade punches before the opening round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Thomson.

ROUND 2 – Thomson connects with a series of kicks and knees to open the second round. Melendez clinches and presses Thomson against the cage. Melendez lands a right out of the clinch. Thomson presses the pace and fires more kicks and punches at Melendez. Melendez closes and lands several punches then Thomson lands another kick. Knee to the body by Thomson followed by a spinning back kick. Thomson secures a late takedown just before the round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Thomson.

ROUND 3 – Thomson connects with a barrage of punches, kicks, and knees then Metlendez quickly counters with a solid combination of his own. Leg kick by Thomson. Melendez lands a combination. More leg kicks by the challenger. They go back-and-forth with strikes. Right by Melendez connects. Thomson secures a takedown. Melendez escapes back to his feet. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Thomson.

ROUND 4 – Melendez connects quickly with a combination. Thomson counters with a hard kick. More kicks by Thomson. Melendez returns with more punches but they’re countered by more effective kicks by Thomson. Thomson takes Melendez’s back and works for a rear naked choke but he runs out of time. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Thomson.

ROUND 5 – More kicks by Thomson to open the final frame. Melendez throws punches but they don’t connect. Thomson secures a takedown and takes Melendez’s back but they scramble and return to their feet. They trade strikes as Thomson continue to dominate the bout. Melendez connects with a combination then Thomson rocks Melendez. Thomson briefly takes him to the ground but they’re quickly back on their feet. Thomson presses him against the cage and rides out the final seconds of the bout. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Thomson and the bout 50-45.

Josh Thomson defeats Gilbert Melendez via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

BILLY EVANGELISTA DEF. NAM PHAN

ROUND 1 – Phan starts quickly with punches. Evangelista counters then secures a takedown. Evangelista works from Phan’s guard and connects with punches. Phan attempts to return to his feet but Evangelista keeps him on the ground. Evangelista connects with a hard punch that is followed by more ground and pound. Evangelista dominates the remainder of the round, keeping Phan on the ground pressed against the cage. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Evangelista.

ROUND 2 – Leg kicks by Evangelista to open the second round. Phan connects with several on-target combinations. Evangelista shoots for a takedown but Phan defends and remains on his feet. The fighters clinch against the fence then separate in favor of striking. Both fighters missing with big punches. Evangelista loses his mouth guard in the exchange and we briefly pause while it’s replaced. Evangelista works for another takedown but Phan successfully defends. Evangelista persists and eventually secures the takedown, working Phan’s guard. Evangelista is cut on his head. Evangelista keeps Phan under control for the remainder of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Phan.

ROUND 3 – The fighters trade punches to open the final round then Evangelista shoots for a takedown. Phan defends and the fighters clinch then separate and trade hard strikes. Evangelista attempts another takedown against the cage and, despite Phan’s best efforts, he’s eventually successful. Evangelista controls Phan on the ground from his guard, peppering him with intermitent punches. Referee Herb Dean stands them up and both fighters trade strikes. Phan connects with a solid combination that rocks Evangelista but he recovers and rides out the remainder of the bout. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Evangelista and the bout 29-28 Evangelista.

Billy Evangelista defeats Nam Phan via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

BOBBY SOUTHWORTH (c) DEF. ANTHONY RUIZ
Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship

ROUND 1 – The fighters circle around the cage before Southworth secures an early takedown. On the ground he peppers Ruiz with strikes and moves to side control. He takes Ruiz’s back and looks for the rear naked choke. Ruiz fends him off and escapes into Southworth’s guard. Ruiz tries to move Southworth against the fence but he escapes and they both return to their feet and clinch. Southworth secures a takedown and moves to side control. Southworth secures a tight armbar but Ruiz escapes. Southworth works an omoplata and triangle choke before the opening round finished. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Southworth.

ROUND 2 – Kick and punch to the body by Ruiz to open the second round as he stalks Southworth. He closes the distance and clicnhes against the fence. Ruiz secures a takedown, landing in Southworth’s guard. Ruiz presses him against the cage but Southworth returns to his feet but Ruiz takes him back to the ground. They are again back on their feet briefly before Southworth secures a takedown and transitions into side control. Ruiz gives up his back as Southworth throws punches from the dominant position. They scramble and Ruiz lands in Southworth’s guard. Ruiz works punches to the body but Southworth briefly secures a triangle choke then transitions to side control. He controls Ruiz on the ground for the final seconds of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Ruiz.

ROUND 3 – Ruiz throws punches to open the third round then secures a takedown. From Southworth’s guard Ruiz presses him against the cage and throws strikes on the ground before they get back to their feet and clinch. Southworth secures a takedown and lands in half guard. Southworth captures full mount and Ruiz gives up his back. Ruiz is bleeding from his nose but is able to reverse into Southworth’s guard. Ruiz connects from the top and Southworth counters with a hard punch from the bottom. Southworth works back to his feet but Ruiz connects with some hard knees. Southworth secures another takedown and works from Ruiz’s guard for the final seconds of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Southworth.

ROUND 4 – Ruiz is pressing forward but is caught with a knee. Southworth secures a takedown and quickly has full mount. Ruiz escapes to his knees but Southworth pins him against the fence and throws punches to his head. Both fighters get back to their feet and Ruiz connects with a low knee. Southworth secures another takedown but Ruiz again escapes back to his feet. Ruiz backs away and looks to strike but Southworth connects with a hard knee-punch combo. Ruiz scores a takedown. Southworth works a kimura from the bottom, but Ruiz is able to escape the hold and get back to his feet. Southworth secures another takedown before the end of the fourth round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Southworth.

ROUND 5 – Ruiz is looking for the knockout but he’s unable to connect and Southworth secures another takedown. Ruiz attempts a guillotine from the bottom but he’s in a bad position and Southworth escapes into side control. Ruiz rolls away and both fighters return to their feet. They clinch against the fence and Southworth gets yet another takedown and moves to half guard. Ruiz works knees to the body from the bottom. Southwork controls Ruiz and looks to pass to side control but Ruiz defends. Southworth takes his backs and rides out the final seconds of the bout. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Southworth and the bout 49-46 Southworth.

Bobby Southworth defeats Anthony Ruiz via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 50-45)

ELAINA MAXWELL DEF. MIESHA TATE

ROUND 1 – Tate secures a quick takedown and lands in Maxwell’s guard. Maxwell looks for a triangle from the bottom. Tate passes to half guard then transitions to full mount. She lands several punches from the top before Maxwell ties her up and uses the cage to avoid most of the damage. Maxwell attempts to escape but is caught in an armbar. Maxwell is unable to escape from the hold but Tate can’t finish Maxwell off before the first round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Tate.

ROUND 2 – Tate secures another quick takedown and lands in Maxwell’s guard. High guard by Maxwell as she looks to set up the triangle but Tate again captures full mount. Tate connects with a series of punches from the top before Maxwell uses her legs to escape the mount but Tate ends up back on top before the second round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Tate.

ROUND 3 – Tate rushes in again and looks for another takedown but Maxwell stays against the fence and is able to remain on her feet. The referee restarts them and Tate again rushes in. They head to the ground and Maxwell takes Tate’s back. She works for a rear naked choke then an armbar but runs out of time. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Maxwell and the bout 29-28 Tate.

Miesha Tate defeats Elaina Maxwell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

JEREMIAH METCALF DEF. RAYMOND DANIELS

ROUND 1 – Metcalf clinches with Daniels to open the fight and works for a takedown. Daniels is able to momentarily defend but Metcalf ultimately secures the takedown. Metcalf falls into a guillotine but quickly escapes and moves to mount. From the top Metcalf fires punches but Daniels survives and is saved by the bell. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-8 Metcalf.

ROUND 2 – Metcalf clinches with Daniels again to open the second round and secures a takedown. Metcalf gets to mount and drops punches from the top then looks for a triangle choke. Daniels rolls and Metcalf takes his back then secures a rear naked choke that forces the kickboxer Daniels to tap out in his MMA debut at 0:59 of round two.

Jeremiah Metcalf defeats Raymond Daniels via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2, 0:59

CHRIS CARIASO DEF. ANTHONY FIGUEROA

ROUND 1 – After dodging an early head kick by Figueroa Cariaso secures a takedown. Cariaso lands several shots from the top before transitioning to side control then mount. From the mount Cariaso looks for a submission but Figueroa escapes. Cariaso secures another takedown then moves to side control where he connects with a knee to the body of Figueroa. Figueroa scrambles back to his feet before the end of the opening round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Cariaso.

ROUND 2 – Cariaso secures another early takedown and works to half guard but Figueroa is able to regain full guard. Cariaso transitions to mount and initially looks for a submission before throwing punches from the top. Figueroa rolls and gives up his back and Cariaso capitalizes, sinking in a rear naked choke to force Figueroa to tap out at 4:34.

Chris Cariaso def. Anthony Figueroa via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2, 4:34

BOBBY STACK DEF. JOSE PALACIOS

ROUND 1 – Stack comes out swinging but misses. Stack keeps the pressure on but Palacios knocks out Stack’s mouthpiece with a hard right. Stack looks for a takedown but Palacios fends it off. Stack attempts another takedown and is successful on his second attempt, landing in Palacios’ guard. Stack lands several punches before the opening round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Palacios.

ROUND 2 – Stack secures a quick takedown and again works from Palacios’ guard. Stack is unable to connect with much while Palacios works submissions from the bottom. Palacio attempts to escape but is caught in an armbar. He’s able to escape and transitions to the top before the round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Stack.

ROUND 3 -Stack again secures a quick takedown then moves to full mount. Stack lands several solid punches from the top before Palacios escapes but ultimately ends up on his back again with Stack in his guard. Stack lands several final shots before the bout concludes. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Stack and the bout 29-28 Stack.

Bobby Stack def. Jose Palacios via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

BRIAN CARAWAY DEF. ALVIN CACDAC

ROUND 1 -Caraway rushes in and secures a quick takedown. Caraway takes Cacdac’s back and locks in a rear naked choke. Cacdac attempts to defend but Caraway forces Cacdac to tap out at 1:39.

Brian Caraway def. Alvin Cacdac via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 1:39

JESSE GILLESPIE VS. ERIC LAWSON

CYRILLO PADHILLO DEF. JESSE JONES

ROUND 1 – The fighters quickly clinch and Padhillo scores an early takedown. On the ground, Jones closes guard then returns to his feet during an attempted pass to side control by Padhillo. Back on their feet, Padhillo connects with a big punch then clinches with Jones and works for another takedown before the round ends. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Padhillo.

ROUND 2 – Jones and Padhillo trade kicks to open the second then clinch. Padhillo secures another takedown and works punches and knees from the top before they stall and are stood up. Back on their feet Padhillo taunts Jones but Jones is unable to connect before the round comes to a close. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Padhillo.

ROUND 3 – An early takedown is stuffed then Jones connects with a hard right that sends Padhillo to the mat. Jones continues to land strikes before Padhillo is able to bring him to the ground and sweep into the top position. Padhillo recovers before they stall and are restarted on their feet. Padhillo secures a late takedown and works more knees to the tailbone of Jones before the bout concludes. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Jones and the bout 29-28 Padhillo.

Cyrillo Padhillo def. Jesse Jones via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

JORGE INTERIANO DEF. TRAVIS JOHNSON

ROUND 1 – The fighters trade kicks to start the bout. Interiano is the aggressor and looks to press the action while Johnson looks to evade and find an opening. Interiano finishes off the round with a solid combination that hurts Johnson. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Interiano.

ROUND 2 – Interiano is aggressive to start the second and pushes the pace. Johnson connects but Interiano counters with a punch to the body. Johnson trips but returns to his feet. Interiano continues to stalk Johnson around the cage and opens up a cut under his right eye with a combination. Johnson looks to back away but Interiano is relentless and continues to connect with punches, rocking Johnson as the second round comes to a close. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Interiano.

Jorge Interiano def. Travis Johnson via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00

ALEXANDER TRIVINO DEF. ERIC JACOB

ROUND 1 – Jacob scores a quick takedown but on the ground Travino secures a fight-ending armbar that forces Jacob to tap out at 0:37.

Alexander Trivino def. Eric Jacob via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 0:37

STRIKEFORCE “MELENDEZ VS. THOMSON” BETTING ODDS

• Gilbert Melendez (-500) vs. Josh Thomson (+350)
• Bobby Southworth (-260) vs. Anthony Ruiz (+200)
• Nam Phan (-140) vs. Billy Evangelista (+110)
• Elaina Maxwell (-330) vs. Miesha Tate (+260)
• Luke Stewart (NA) vs. Drew Fickett (NA)

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Southworth (8-5) was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 1″, defeating Lodune Sincaid in the opening round of the competition before losing to Stephan Bonner in the second round of the reality series. At “The Ultimate Fighter 1″ Finale, Southworth was defeated by Sam Hoger via unanimous decision. After losing the bout he left the UFC for Strikeforce. His first bout was ruled a no contest after just 17-seconds after both he and James irvin fell from the cage. In his very next bout Southworth topped Vernon White via unanimous decision to capture the 205-pound title. Following a victory over Bill Mahood in September at the Playboy Mansion, Southworth last saw action in November when he lost to Ruiz via doctor’s stoppage due to a cut he sustained in the bout. Now the pair will square off once again but this time the title will be on the line.

Anthony “El Toro” Ruiz (20-10) is a 30-fight MMA veteran who is riding a 6-fight winning streak heading into the title bout against Southworth. Ruiz was last in action in January when he defeated Brad Imes via split decision at Palace Fighting Championships 6. According to MMAJunkie.com, Ruiz recently signed a 6-fight contract with Strikeforce.

Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com for more Strikeforce coverage.