“Strikeforce: Miami” immediate reaction

Strikeforce Miami had a bit of star power and some quality match ups. In most ways the card exceeded all expectations, as there were tons of fireworks and all the favorites won. Check out some immediate reaction from Pro MMA Now (prommanow.com).

Nick Diaz vs. Marius Zaromskis
Supporters of Zaromskis thought that his vicious high kick and power would be the difference in the fight. Of course, Diaz has an iron chin and the chances of the Stockton fighter being stopped were small.

Zaromskis almost bested Diaz’s chin, but ultimately the new champion landed more shots and put Zaromskis away at the end of the first. Diaz is an improved striker, but he still does not move his head at all when he strikes. His lack of wrestling might also hurt him against number one contender Jay Hieron. Let’s hope that Strikeforce makes that fight quickly and develops some new talent. Their welterweight contender pool is very shallow.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos vs. Marlos Coenen
Between her fight with Gina Carano and her performance at the ADCC world championships, Cyborg proved that she had issues with her grappling. However, in this fight she stayed out of trouble against a very slick grappler. It is nice to see a champion continue to develop after winning the belt.

As good as her performance was, she still got caught with a lot of punches on the feet. Strikeforce should look to line up Erin Toughill as the next challenger. The veteran was always the more deserving challenger. Coenen is a quality fighter, but she was only one win removed from losing to a debuting fighter, Cindy Dandois. That is hardly constitutes a title challenger.

Herschel Walker vs. Greg Nagy
Here is an idea. Let’s take a guy with virtually no experience and have him fight another guy with no experience. Who will win this fight? Clearly, the better athlete would have the advantage. Walker proved he is a better athlete than Greg Nagy. He has about as much potential as the last guy who beat Nagy, Francisco Navarro.

Let’s hope Strikeforce brings in some ridiculous opponents for Walker. Jose Canseco vs. Walker would be just ridiculous enough.

Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef
While watching this fight, it was apparent that Lawler did not have a game plan. He still has not learned how to check leg kicks, and he was downright getting beat up on the feet. Manhoef went to flurry, and Lawler dropped him with a beautiful right hand.

The finish is interesting for a variety of reasons. First, Lawler displayed power that he had never previously shown. Also, in the post fight interview he revealed that he was waiting for Manhoef to drop his hands. So, he did have a game plan. As of right now, this is clearly knockout of the year.

Bobby Lashley vs. Wes Sims
Lashley is a specimen. He is absolutely yoked. However, in the cage tonight he made it clear why he needs to keep fighting guys like Wes Sims. Lashley still looks a bit awkward on the feet, and he was unable to pass the guard. His strategy to get to around ten wins before taking on top fighters is the right move.

A Six-pack of Random Thoughts
1. Do you think Scott Coker cringed when Herschel Walker referred to MMA as the “ultimate sport?”

2. Why did Bobby Lashley and Wes Sims come to the cage with knee and elbow pads only to have to take them off? Were there not commission guys in the locker room?

3. Wes Sims tried to lock up Lashley and stall. Frank Shamrock said he never saw that before. If he has never seen that then he should not be commentating on MMA.

4. Stephen Quadros said someone’s grappling was “nothing short of prodigal.” For the record “prodigal” means wasteful or recklessly extravagant.

5. Do you have to attack a tire to be in Strikeforce? They have video of all their fighters beating up a tire. Also, is it the same tire?

6. Frank Shamrock is the invincible man. Both Nick Diaz and Cung Le stopped him with strikes, but during broadcasts Shamrock insists that their strikes do not actually hurt.