Highlights from the press conference at Scottrade included an announcement by world-famous emcee Jimmy Lennon, Jr. that former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (15-6) will make his Strikeforce debut and square off with undefeated prospect Brett “The Grim” Rogers (9-0) in an Affliction sponsored fight during the live televised portion of the fight card.
Knockout artist “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni (13-10) lashed out verbally about his welterweight showdown with powerhouse Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) and former UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion Kevin “The Monster” Randleman (17-12) was highly animated about returning to action for the first time in over a year to face “Iron” Mike Whitehead (23-6) in a light heavyweight matchup on the star-studded card.
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) and Jake Shields (22-4-1), who will square off with each other in the main event at a catch weight of 182 pounds, were all business during the affair.
In addition, St. Louis Blues NHL hockey star and avid MMA practitioner, Cam Janssen, made a guest appearance and addressed the media and fans in attendance as did unbeaten local MMA star Jesse Finney, who will see action on the non-televised portion of the June 6 card.
What the fighters had to say:
PHIL BARONI:
“Really, there’s not much to say. Joe’s 25 years old and he’ll have his day. On June 6, I’m knocking him the (expletive) out. I’m going to (expletive) him up bad. I’m going to bust him up the whole (expletive) fight. It’s up to him how long he wants to last. Whether he wants to last one round or he wants to last three – I’m going to (expletive) him up.”
“Never mind being in shape. I’m not thanking anybody for being here. Any promotion that has me, it’s lucky for them. No one’s kissing anyone’s asses. I’m just ready to fight and beat the (expletive) out of him.”
“He looks like he’s been overtraining. I’d say he’s about maybe 155 (pounds). You don’t look like that big at 170 right now. Something’s wrong with him.”
“I asked my agent – I said ‘hey get me a southpaw to fight.’ My agent’s pretty stupid. He said ‘What’s that? He didn’t know what a southpaw was. So, I said “It’s a (expletive) left-handed fighter. I’m real good at fighting lefties. Lefties are made to order for me. They eat straight right hands and I’ve got a pretty (expletive) big one. I’m going to put it right on his kisser.”
“It’s do or die for me and I ain’t (expletive) ready to die. I got a lot of fighting left in me. Joe’s young. I’m a man now and I think he’s a boy. Someday I’ll probably commentate for Joe when he’s fighting for a world title. This is my time. I’m going to take care of my business and that starts with Joe and everyone else at 170 pounds with Strikeforce.”
JOE RIGGS:
“Phil is one of those guys who people have written off a couple of times in his career and he’s always come back strong. He’s a high risk fight and a tough guy. I have a lot of respect for him. On June 6, it’s going to be a great fight, but there’s no way I’m losing that fight. I guarantee it.”
“Both of us kind of have the same style – wrestling and boxing – and we’re heavy handed. So, there’s no real advantage anywhere. You just have to prepare for the fight. It’s whoever’s trained harder and I don’t think anybody else has trained harder than me for this fight.”
“This is the absolute best shape I’ve ever been in in my life. I’ve spent many, many days in the gym training in the gym for this fight. I think about it every day and every night.
KEVIN RANDLEMAN:
“On June 6, there’s absolutely no reason for me to lose – and there’s no excuses – win or lose, there’s no excuses. Period. I’m 100 percent healthy and I’m an animal again. So understand. The Monster’s back.”
MIKE WHITEHEAD:
“Kevin talks a lot of trash. We’ve heard in Vegas, on the radio, him talking this and that. The guy was invited with his wife to my house for Christmas dinner this year so it’s kind of funny that he’s talking about me. But if that’s what you guys need, it’s cool. Just let him do the talking and I’ll do the walking.”
“We’re both wrestlers, we’ve both got power in our hands. Look for fireworks. I’m ready for the fireworks too, so let’s do it.”
ROBBIE LAWLER:
“I really don’t have much to say, but I think it’s going to be a good atmosphere here. St. Louis is a great sports town and I’d like to put on a good show.”
“I train for everything and work on every skill so I’ll be ready. Jake’s a real good grappling opponent, but for every fight I’m working on all aspects so it’s not that big of a deal.”
“I wouldn’t really compare myself to (Mike Tyson). I just like to go out there and finish people so that’s what I try to do.”
JAKE SHIELDS:
“This is my first fight for Strikeforce. I’m excited to be a part of the main event. This is a phenomenal card. I can’t wait to get out there and mix it up. Robbie always brings it and I’m coming to bring it so it’s on.”
“I feel great. It’s a move up in weight, but I’m not really too concerned about it. Robbie’s strong and big, but I’m not that small. I always cut weight to 170 so I actually get to eat and lift weights. I’m not going to be huge for the weight, but I don’t feel that small either so I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue.”
“I don’t have an exact strategy but, at some point, it would be better to go to the ground for me, but I’m not afraid to stand and bang either.”
Also featured during the live telecast on June 6 will be a 180 pound catch weight matchup between superstars Nick Diaz (19-7) and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (16-5). Both fighters are coming off of outstanding victories on April 11. Diaz stopped four-time world champion Frank Shamrock in the second round of the main event and Smith scored a third round knockout on Benji “The Razor” Radach.
Tickets for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” are on sale 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).
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.