MMAFrenzy.com » Robbie Lawler

Strikeforce Roundup: Lindland vs. “Jacare” In The Works, Lawal’s Proposed Debut, Beerbohm Inks a Deal, and more

Justin H — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:41 +0000

Strikeforce’s December 19th is beginning to shape up, fighters already rumored for the event include Robbie Lawler, and Scott Smith. Now joining them is a proposed middleweight match up between Matt Lindland and Ronald “Jacare” Souza, and the promotional debut of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal against an as yet unknown opponent. [Fanhouse]
Jeff Curran’s Strikeforce debut on November 7 will not be against Sam Thao but will instead be against 17-13-1 fighter Dustin Neace, after the Illinois Athletic Commission did not approve the Curran vs. Tao fight. That is not the only lineup change for the CBS televised event, another undercard fight, which could be for number one contendership in the women’s division, has undergone a change. Roxanne Modafferi will replace Erin Toughill, who had to pull out of the contest due to an undisclosed medical condition against Marloes Coenen.
Undefeated lightweight prosect Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm has signed a multi-year deal with Strikeforce. The deal is a two year deal, that gives Strikeforce an option on a third year, and is non-exclusive.
Strikeforce Challengers 5: Woodley vs. Bears, which is set for November 20, has undergone some recent lineup changes. 4-1 Brian Davidson and 11-3 Lee Gibson have both been added to the card, though no opponent has been named for either man. Additionally, an anticipated female match up pitting Sarah Kaufman against Takayo Hashi has been pulled from the card though no reason has been given, and the fight is now likely to happen in January of 2010.

Pictured: Matt Lindland

Quick Hits: Horodecki Likely to Sign With WEC, Curran’s Strikeforce Debut Set for Nov. 7, Lawler Expects December Fight, and More

Justin H — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:23:58 +0000

Lightweight Chris Horodecki is expected to sign with the WEC very soon, according to his trainer Shawn Thompkins. If the deal goes through, the 22-year-old Canadian would enter the organization with a 13-1 record, having suffered his only loss to Ryan Schutlz in the IFL.
Jeff Curran’s next fight will not come under the WEC banner after four consecutive losses in the organization, but will instead be on the undercard of the November 7 “Fedor vs. Rogers” event after “The Big Frog” recently signed a two-fight non-exclusive deal with the promotion. Curran is also expected to compete in his own XFO promotion on December 5th against Tomohiko Hori.
Robbie Lawler is expected to return to action in December, though no opponent has been finalized. MMA Fanhouse reports that Lawler has been offered both Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Nick Diaz as possible opponents for the Strikeforce event, but that Lawler’s manager, Monte Cox, is opposed to the idea of Lawler fighting Souza.
Sean Salmon has been issued a one-year administrative suspension, and fined $2,500 by the Ohio Athletic Commission due to comments in a September column for MMAJunkie.com in which he hinted that he may have intentionally given up a submission in a June fight against Allan Weickert, which took place in Ohio.
Middleweight combatant Xavier Foupa-Pokam is will headline the next edition of Tachi Palace Fights on December 3rd against California based fighter Mike Moreno. He is also scheduled to compete this coming Saturday in Edmonton, Alberta-based Aggression MMA’s inaugural event, where he will look to rebound from his 0-2 stint in the UFC against Chester Post, a fighter with a record of 6-17-1. Other bouts on the Aggression MMA fight card include Jason Lambert vs. Matt Horwich, Travis Fulton vs. Jason Fairn, and Cyrille Diabate vs. Marcus Hicks among others.
Australian MMA Verteran James Te Huna is expected to make his UFC debut at UFC 110 in Australia after recently signing with the promotion.
Dutch heavyweight Gilbert Yvel, under scrutiny due to his past unsportsmanlike actions, was recently granted a one-fight license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, potentially opening the door for Yvel to fight in the UFC, though there have been no reports that he’s in talks with the organization.
Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem’s manager, Bas Boon, recently stated that Overeem is looking to defend that title in late February or early March, matching the time line for his return that Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently laid out for his return.
Former UFC fighters Josh Burkman and Brandon Melendez will meet in the main event of “Throwdown Showdown” on November 20 in Orem, Utah.
WEC featherweight Cole Province on Friday was issued a nine-month suspension and $4,000 fine by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for anabolic steroids following his August unanimous decision win over Fredson Paixao at WEC 42, which has since been changed to a no contest.
UFC welterweight Frank Trigg recently underwent successful knee surgery, but his plans to return in early-2010 remain unaffected with Matt Serra considered a potential opponent.
Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira (18-6) is reportedly close to signing with the UFC after submitting Walter Mazurkievicz over the weekend at Jungle Fight 15.

Strikeforce: Gurgel-Evangelista Headlines November 6 Challengers Event, Paul Buentello Released, and More

Kris Karkoski — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:20:40 +0000

A lightweight matchup between UFC veteran Jorge Gurgel and undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista will headline a November 6 “Strikeforce Challengers” event, which airs live on Showtime from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
Strikeforce has officially released heavyweight Paul Buentello, who is now expected to return to the UFC after having his contract acquired by the promotion in its August deal with Affliction.
Two-time U.S. Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier has been added to the card for Strikeforce’s September 25 Challengers event, with an opponent expected to be announced soon.
Strikeforce recently signed lightweight prospect Brian Travers to a five-fight deal, and has also signed TUF 8 cast member Antwain Britt to a multi-fight contract.
Robbie Lawler’s agent, Monte Cox, is pushing for Lawler to fight Matt Lindland in his next fight, not Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza as previously expected.
A previously-reported interim middleweight title fight between Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem” Miller that was expected to take place in October on the same card as Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers has yet to be finalized, with Shields saying that Miller won’t sign on for the fight and that it could take place in December instead.

Pictured: Jorge Gurgel

Robbie Lawler vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza Planned for Fall Strikeforce Event

Kris Karkoski — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:30:11 +0000

Submission expert Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is likely to make his Strikeforce debut against slugger Robbie Lawler on the undercard of a fall Strikeforce event headlined by Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the middleweight matchup to Fanhouse at Emelianenko’s open workout on Wednesday in New York City.

“Jacare” (10-2) extended his winning streak to 10-straight by winning his first three fights in DREAM over Ian Murphy, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, and Zelg Galesic, but would next suffer a first-round knockout to Gegard Mousasi in the finals of DREAM’s middleweight grand prix last September. He returned to action in May, fighting to a no contest in a rematch with Miller after being cut open by an illegal kick in the bout.

A UFC veteran who trains out of Matt Hughes’ HIT Squad, Lawler (18-5) had won five-straight over the likes of Scott Smith, Frank Trigg, Joey Villasenor, and Murilo “Ninja” Rua, before being submitted by Jake Shields in the opening round of their June catchweight fight.

In addition to Emelianenko-Rogers and Lawler-Souza, an interim middleweight championship bout between Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem” Miller is also expected for the Showtime-televised card.

Pictured: Robbie Lawler

Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” Results: Shields Submits Lawler, Rogers KOs Arlovski

Kris Karkoski — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:38:44 +0000

Jake Shields needed less than half a round to submit Robbie Lawler in the main event of Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields on Saturday, forcing Lawler to tap to a guillotine choke 2:02 into the opening round of their catchweight headliner.

8,867 fans attended the Showtime-televised event at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Following the win, which improved Shields’ record to 23-4-1, the former EliteXC welterweight champion called for a middleweight title bout against Strikeforce champ Cung Le. Le, however, is not expected to defend his title for the indefinite future while pursuing a movie career and Shields may be forced to face another opponent for an interim title before Le returns. Lawler, a former EliteXC middleweight champion, falls to 18-5 following the defeat.

Heavyweight contender Brett Rogers needed just 22-seconds to knockout Andrei Arlovski with a flurry of punches in the Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields co-headliner. Rogers, who improved to 10-0 with the win, will next meet Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem on a future Strikeforce card, while Arlovski’s future is less certain after falling to 15-7 with his second-straight knockout loss.

In other main card action, Nick Diaz overwhelmed Scott Smith with punches over two full rounds before forcing Smith to tap to a rear naked choke in the third and Joe Riggs and Mike Whitehead picked up unanimous decision victories over Phil Baroni and Kevin Randleman respectively.

The Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields results were:

Jake Shields def. Robbie Lawler via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1. 2:02
Brett Rogers def. Andrei Arlovski via KO (punches) — Round 1, 0:22
Nick Diaz def. Scott Smith via submission (rear naked choke) — Round 3, 1:41
Joe Riggs def. Phil Baroni via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mike Whitehead def. Kevin Randleman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jesse Finney def. Josh Bumgarner via submission (kimura) — Round 1, 1:55
Mike Kyle def. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 4:05
Booker DeRousse def. James Wade via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:06
Tyron Woodley def. Sal Woods via submission (north-south choke) — Round 1, 4:20
Lucas Lopes def. Scott Ventimiglia via DQ (illegal knee) — Round 1, 3:26
Pat Benson def. Dave Cochran via submission (triangle choke) — Round 1, 2:18

[Pictured: Jake Shields]

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields Live Results

Kris Karkoski — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:00:53 +0000

Welcome to MMAFrenzy.com’s live coverage of Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields, which takes place today, Saturday June 6, 2009, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

The event’s preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 7:45pm ET with the main, Showtime-televised card, headlined by a catchweight showdown between Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields, commencing at 10pm ET.

Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com all night for live results, plus stop by after the fights for extensive post-fight coverage.

STRIKEFORCE: LAWLER VS. SHIELDS RESULTS

Jake Shields def. Robbie Lawler via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1. 2:02
Brett Rogers def. Andrei Arlovski via KO (punches) — Round 1, 0:22
Nick Diaz def. Scott Smith via submission (rear naked choke) — Round 3, 1:41
Joe Riggs def. Phil Baroni via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mike Whitehead def. Kevin Randleman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jesse Finney def. Josh Bumgarner via submission (kimura) — Round 1, 1:55
Mike Kyle def. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 4:05
Booker DeRousse def. James Wade via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:06
Tyron Woodley def. Sal Woods via submission (north-south choke) — Round 1, 4:20
Lucas Lopes def. Scott Ventimiglia via DQ (illegal knee) — Round 1, 3:26
Pat Benson def. Dave Cochran via submission (triangle choke) — Round 1, 2:18

[Pictured: Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields]

All Fighters Make Weight at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields Weigh-Ins

Kris Karkoski — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:24:19 +0000

All twenty-two fighters scheduled to fight at Saturday’s Strikeforce event at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, including headliners Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith as well as main card fighters Andrei Arlovski, Brett Rogers, Nick Diaz, Scott Smith, Phil Baroni, Joe Riggs, Kevin Randleman, and Mike Whitehead, successfully made weight at Friday’s weigh-ins.

The official Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields weigh-in results were:

MAIN CARD

Robbie Lawler (182.75) vs. Jake Shields (181.75)
Andrei Arlovski (244) vs. Brett Rogers (262)
Nick Diaz (179) vs. Scott Smith (179.5)
Phil Baroni (168.75) vs. Joe Riggs (170)
Kevin Randleman (204) vs. Mike Whitehead (206)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Josh Bumgarner (173.5) vs. Jesse Finney (175.75)
Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (205.5) vs. Mike Kyle (202.5)
Booker DeRousse (204.25) vs. James Wade (205.25)
Tyron Woodley (170.5) vs. Sal Woods (169.25)
Lucas Lopes (186) vs. Scott Ventimiglia (185)
Dave Cochran (153) vs. Pat Benson (155.75)

PHOTO GALLERY

Lawler-Shields, Babalu-Feijao Headline June 6th Strikeforce Event in St. Louis

Kris Karkoski — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:11:30 +0000

Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields

PRESS RELEASE; NEW YORK (April 2, 2009) — The exciting, stylistic mixed martial arts (MMA) match between top-ranked fighters “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) and Jake Shields (22-4-1) has been set for Saturday, June 6, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., it was announced today by Strikeforce Founder and CEO Scott Coker. In addition, Coker confirmed the addition of a thrilling Strikeforce Championship fight between light heavyweight titlist “Babalu” Sobral and top-rated contender Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante.

The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields”, priced from $30, go on sale on Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m. CT, at the Scottrade Center box office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Lawler, a world top-10 middleweight, and Shields, ranked among the top-5 welterweights in the world, will face off at a catch weight of 182 pounds.

Sobral (32-7) will be making the first defense of his Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship against vaunted striker and fellow Brazil native “Feijao” (7-1).

“It’s a great opportunity to fight another top-ranked fighter,” said the hard-hitting, 27-year-old Lawler, a former high school football star known for the stunning knockout power in his fists.

“Scott Coker really stepped up and I’m glad to be fighting for him and Strikeforce,” continued Lawler, who was one of many fighters acquired in Strikeforce’s asset purchase from ProElite, Inc., earlier this year. “We were all unsure of where our next fight would be (referring to the former EliteXC stable of fighters), so we’re glad someone with his experience stepped in. He has been good to us.”

A seven-time veteran of UFC action, Lawler attracted his biggest audience to date during his live CBS Television Network broadcast rematch with Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith, whom Lawler stopped with an onslaught of kicks and punches in the second round of their headlining matchup in Stockton, Calif., on July 26, 2008.

Born in San Diego, Calif., as an adolescent, Lawler relocated with his family to Bettendorf, Iowa, where at the age of 16 he became a protégé of MMA legend Pat Miletich. Two years ago, Lawler joined the fight squad captained by former Miletich teammate and all-time great Matt Hughes.

The 30 year-old Shields, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, is looking to notch his 12th consecutive victory. In his last start, he submitted the explosive Paul Daley with an armbar in the second round of their live CBS broadcast match in Sunrise, Fla., on October 4, 2008.

“It’s a fight that makes sense,” said Shields of his upcoming challenge. “We’re both already known to the SHOWTIME viewers. He’s a top middleweight and I’m a top-ranked welterweight. It makes me want to train really hard. I know I’ve got to be ready because, if I’m not, he’s going to kick me in the head or punch me and knock me out. I’m super-excited to come in at my best.”

Shields, who began wrestling at the age of nine, acknowledged that his advantage in the match with Lawler lies on the canvas.

“My grappling’s better than his striking. I’ve been working on my striking a lot, though,” said Shields, “and I think it’s a lot better than some people give me credit for. I’m not going to say I’m a better striker than Lawler because that would be stupid. Lawler is one of the better strikers out there.”

Also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, the 33-year-old Sobral was crowned the first-ever Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion after landing an elbow strike that opened a deep cut around the eye of Bobby Southworth in the first round of their bout at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 21, 2008. Southworth survived the round, but was deemed unable to continue the fight by the ringside physician before the start of the second round.

Over the course of 39 career starts, Sobral has faced and defeated some of the sport’s best competitors including legendary K-1 and UFC champion Maurice Smith, Chael Sonnen, and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, whom he submitted with a choke in his last appearance on January 24, of this year.

On Sept. 6, 2003, Sobral knocked off three top-tier rivals—Jeremy Horn, Mauricio “Ninja” Rua, and Trevor Prangley—during a single-elimination tournament.

Since relocating to Orange County, Calif., Sobral has taken the opportunity to elevate his striking skills, to couple with his mastery of submissions, by taking on former world championship boxing contender Justin Fortune as a trainer.

Referred to simply as “Feijao” by MMA fans, Sobral’s opponent has been on fire of late, stopping all of his last three opponents inside the first round. Only the last of these, Travis Galbraith, whom Feijao faced on July 26, 2008, survived the three-minute mark against the Brazilian sensation.

Like Sobral, the 28-year-old Feijao brings to the cage fearsome submission capabilities honed on his native soil. Through his Muay Thai kickboxing training, he also has developed a dangerous kicking and punching arsenal that has helped facilitate his current win streak.

Doors at the Scottrade Center will open for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, June 6. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

Lawler-Shields on June 6th in St. Louis

Kris Karkoski — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:39:57 +0000

Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields

The anticipated Strikeforce welterweight bout between Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields will take place on June 6th in St. Louis, according to Matt Hughes, not May 16th in Tacoma, Washington as previously rumored.

“Just found out a few days ago that Robbie Lawler will fight Jake Shields on the Strikeforce card on June 6th, in St. Louis,” wrote Hughes. “It’s great to have Robbie fight that close to home. We were worried that he would fight in the month of May close to my fight, so it actually turns out to be a pretty good schedule. As always, Robbie’s a performer and puts on fights that people want to see.”

For the latest Strikeforce rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com MMA rumors section.

Strikeforce News and Notes: Randleman Signs, Press Conference Quotes and Photos, and More

Kris Karkoski — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:16 +0000

Nick Diaz gives Frank Shamrock the finger

UFC veteran Kevin Randleman has signed with Strikeforce and will debut with in the promotion’s light heavyweight division later this year.
Joe Riggs and Brett Rogers are under consideration for the fifth and final Showtime-televised bout at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz on April 11th. The slot was to be filled by Riggs against Jake Shields, but Shields was pulled from the matchup to headline Strikeforce’s May event in Tacoma, Washington against Robbie Lawler.
Showtime on Thursday announced the broadcast team for Strikeforce events, with Gus Johnson, Mauro Ranallo, Frank Shamrock, Stephen Quadros, and Pat Miletich tapped to call the fights.
Strikeforce on Thursday held a public press conference in Los Angeles for “Shamrock vs. Diaz” with appearances by Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Josh Thomson, Gilbert Melendez, Benji Radach, Scott Smith, Jake Shiels, Robbie Lawler, and Cris Cyborg. Quotes and photos from the event are below:

FRANK SHAMROCK

“Someone asked me the other day how my comeback was going so I guess I’ve come back. I love fighting. I love this art. I want to thank Nick Diaz for the opportunity and just warn him that when I punch his head and he lands in the second row he’ll need someone to catch him.
“I’m not going to show a lot of things I have in the past. This time I’m just showing up to smash some people and make a few dollars.”

NICK DIAZ

“Training has been going great and I am very happy with it. I am clear-headed and ready to fight.
“I feel I am the perfect candidate for this fight. Shamrock thinks he can beat guys with styles like me.
“I don’t care about the weight. I feel more energetic. My strength is great. I hit harder. I like this fight because I will be able to control what goes on when we’re on the ground.
“Frank can talk all he wants, but I’m going to beat him up. Let’s see how much he fights back.’’

JOSH THOMSON

“There is much more pressure on me this fight. There was no pressure when I fought him the last time; I was just the challenger.
“But now that I am Strikeforce champion, I have to work ever harder and be more prepared for anything and everything.
“I don’t feel I got the respect I should have after beating Gilbert. But that doesn’t bother me. As long as I know I am giving the fans what they want – and the fans know what they will get when I fight – then I am fine.
“Our second fight will really showcase our new skills, things people haven’t seen in the past. It will be more action-packed and fast-paced.
“Gilbert is someone I admire and I’m actually dreading this fight. I know it’s going to go for five rounds and will be full of action. There will be a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed to get ready for this fight but it’s going to be fun come April 11.’’

GILBERT MELENDEZ

“It is definitely a great thing for me to have a chance to redeem myself for my only loss and to do it on SHOWTIME is a dream come true. This fight will give both of us a lot of exposure.
“All I will say about our first fight is that Josh trained harder and was the better man that night.
“Losing is never a good thing, but you live and learn from experiences and that fight has made me train even harder. I did the best I could in our first fight, but I feel I am a better fighter now and will do better on April 11.
“This time, I am going to take it to him, dictate the pace and make him fight me. This time, I am going to fight my fight.’’

SCOTT SMITH

“I am very excited about this show and excited to be able to ride this new wave. This is going to be a great fight, one of the best of the night.
“I totally respect Benji. This will not be easy. I’ve changed a few things in my fighting.
“I’m trying not to get hit too much. People like to see fun fights and our fight will definitely be a fun fight to watch.’’

BENJI RADACH

“He has been in a lot of wars but by no means do I think they have taken a toll on Scott. He is always in top shape and always comes to battle.
“My advantage is, I think I am faster and maybe a little better wrestler. My quickness is going to be key.
“But the bottom line is to be better and win the fight no matter where it goes.’’

CRIS “CYBORG” SANTOS

“It’s really exciting what SHOWTIME has done for women’s MMA and I am proud that they want me back on their next show. I am not looking past my opponent, but the fighter I want is Gina Carano.
“People have been talking about us fighting so I think it is only a matter of time. I think we both want the fight and I know it is a fight the fans would love to see.
“I can’t wait for April 11 and I can’t wait to fight Gina Carano.’’

ROBBIE LAWLER

“Everybody knows I am always ready and willing to fight anybody, anytime, any place so I am just looking forward to getting out there and fighting.
“I might be bigger, but it sure doesn’t look it when we stand side by side. This will be my first fight since July but I’m always in the gym and I stay in shape. So I’ll be 100 percent.’’

JAKE SHIELDS

“I am super excited about this fight and this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to fight the top level guys. That’s not to say the guys I’ve fought recently weren’t good fighters because they were.
“But Lawler is a high-profile fighter, a top-five middleweight. So this is a real challenge for me and a fight that has me highly motivated.
“I am very happy to be fighting on SHOWTIME again. This is definitely going to be a great fight and I am super happy to be part of this. Strikeforce is going to be doing a lot of good things in the future.’’

PHOTO GALLERY