Monday Morning Rumor: Strikeforce to Hold Heavyweight Grand Prix
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 20, 2010 9:26 AM EST
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Tatame is reporting some very interesting news about Strikeforce's heavyweight division, and their intentions for 2011. Strikeforce is at a disadvantage in regards to having big names when compared to the UFC, but they're looking to put some faith in the heavyweights next year, by kicking off a heavyweight grand prix, featuring the following fighters:
Fedor Emelianenko - #3 Heavyweight
Fabricio Werdum - #4 Heavyweight
Alistair Overeem - #8 Heavyweight
Antonio Silva - #10 Heavyweight
Josh Barnett - #11 Heavyweight
Brett Rogers - #12 Heavyweight
Andrei Arlovski - #16 Heavyweight
Sergei Kharitonov - Unranked
The tournament would begin with Emelianenko meeting Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in February, followed by Werdum versus Kharitonov in March. Kharitonov was most recently finished in the first round at K-1 World Grand Prix 2010, by Singh Jaideep, a fighter known for lacking power. Strikeforce is coming off a card that featured lopsided matchmaking such as this, although it was fun to watch, it's a shame that this sort of matchup may occur more often than before.
There's no whisper of a date for the other two bouts, but it looks like Brett Rogers will face off against Josh Barnett, and reigning champion Alistair Overeem will fight Andrei Arlovski. It's worth noting that Rogers and Arlovski match up rather poorly against their opponents, with Rogers' wrestling and ground game no where near as good as Barnett's, and Arlovski still trying to sort out his problems with his chin.
Aside from mismatches, it's interesting to note that in this proposed grand prix, the champion will be participating, rather than facing the winner of the tournament. Of course, if they had to bring in Sergei Kharitonov to finish off the tournament, I guess it's not that much of a shock. I'm curious to see if this rumor pans out, we'll be keeping our ears open for any further news on the subject.
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Weren’t there reports of Fedor pulling out of the Jan 29th event? I’m not holding my breath for this panning out. Too many variables that make it look like it’s DOA.
Yep, thats why I said February…which is apparently the new date M-1 was looking it. I don’t expect this tournament to work out even half as good as Strikeforce plans…but they get an A for effort.
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by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 20, 2010 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Well, I suppose it gives Werdum an opportunity to avenge his loss to Kharitonov from a hundred years ago. And, I guess it keeps everyone busy too.
I don’t know, I love me some tournaments (I’m pretty high on K-1), but given the Strikeforce Heavies penchant for drama, pull-outs, and bullshit I’m having trouble getting excited for this. Have any fighters confirmed? Other than the usual suspects, I’m a little skeptical on Arlovski as well. Figured he’d rather take a warm up fight to build up his confidence (Griggs? Humphrey?).
Honestly, I’m not sure what was so bad about having Werdum and Overeem square off again. That’s the fight I want to see. Fan of both those guys.
If I were to predict I think we might see them in the finals anyway.
Screw it, I sound like an ass. I’m with Kaleb, A for effort – it ain’t easy being 2nd behind the UFC.
Peter Aerts vs Semmy Schilt, K-1 World GP Semi-Final 2010: Fight of the Year
by StreetofCrocodiles on Dec 20, 2010 1:06 PM EST reply actions
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