001: STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker is the an in the middle of the fighters who will appear on Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader fight card on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Left-to-right: Roger Gracie, Herschel Walker, Jacare Souza, Nick Diaz, Coker, Evangelista Cyborg, Robbie Lawler, Scott Carson and Trevor Prangley.
002: Diaz defends the STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight title against Cyborg in the main event.
003: Jacare (left) risks the STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight title against Lawler.
(FINAL PRESSER QUOTES AND PHOTOS ATTACHED)
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2011) – The eight fighters who will compete this Saturday, Jan. 29, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker participated Thursday in a final press conference for the eagerly awaited event at HP Pavilion.
Saturday’s event will be highlighted by a STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader. STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) will seek his ninth consecutive victory when he makes his second title defense against Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in the main event.
STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight Champion “Jacare” Souza (13-2, 1 NC) will put his belt on the line for the first time against hard-hitting, former two-time world champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (18-6, 1 NC) in the co-feature of a stacked card.
The remarkable Herschel Walker (1-0) will return to the cage to face Scott Carson (4-1) in a heavyweight bout and undefeated Roger Gracie (3-0), the latest prospect from MMA’s first family, will battle former South African national wrestling champion Trevor Prangley (23-6-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).
The first non-televised, undercard fight on Saturday begins at 4:30 p.m. PT.
What the fighters had to say:
NICK DIAZ
“I feel good and I’m ready to fight. Cyborg has a unique style and I know that he will give it his all and be as crazy as ever. But that’s good because I’m crazy, too.
“I have great respect for Cyborg. He is strong and has skills and comes real hard. I feel he deserves a shot.
“I think he was fighting guys too big when he was fighting at middleweight, but I might be too big for him too. Anything can happen in a fight, but I prepare for everything.’’
EVANGELISTA CYBORG
“After 15 years of training and sacrificing, my dream is finally almost here. I am very excited at the chance to make my mark. I can promise you I will do my best to pull out the win.
“Nick Diaz is a very gallant fighter but I will press the action whether we are standing or on the ground.
“I am not worried about those who underestimate me in this fight. I am pre-occupied with winning.
“The belt always equals a build-up to your career, but first you have to win it. I feel strong and very comfortable at 170 and looking forward to a great fight against Nick Diaz.’’
JACARE SOUZA
“This is going to be a tough fight, and a very dangerous one. Robbie Lawler is very heavy-handed and I know to win I am going to have to play my game, which is to take him down and try and finish the fight.
“Some were surprised that I stood last time but Lawler is a different kind of fighter than I had in my last one. If I have to stand, I will, of course, but I know it is important that I keep control.
“I don’t feel either of us think that we can afford to make a mistake.’’
ROBBIE LAWLER
“I’m not looking ahead to anybody. I’m only looking ahead to Saturday’s fight.
“I work on all my skills all the time. Guys are so good at this level. Make a mistake and it will cost you.’’
HERSCHEL WALKER
“The Herschel of today would have beaten up the Herschel of a year ago. I was dumb and naïve when I first started. But I have learned a lot.
“This will be a good fight. Scott Carson has a lot of experience. I am looking forward to fighting again for STRIKEFORCE and on SHOWTIME.’’
SCOTT CARSON
“I feel fortunate to get this fight and I hope to make the best of it. I’m definitely prepared and ready for a fight.
“Fighting such a legendary name has certainly added a lot of hype to the fight, but I have worked very hard in training camp. I’m looking to see this fight go into the later rounds where it will be a war of attrition.’’
ROGER GRACIE
“Even though each fight is different, I treat them all the same in my approach. All fighters are dangerous. I am in with a good, very experienced fighter so I do not expect him to make any silly mistakes. I know I must be patient because he is very heavy-handed.
“I have worked very hard for this fight and am excited about fighting on a STRIKEFORCE show on SHOWTIME. I want to be more active in MMA and hope to fight two or three times this year.’’
TREVOR PRANGLEY
“I think this is going to be a great chess match. Who can implement their game plan best will win. I want to fight my fight.
“I had a great camp and feel comfortable. We’ll see how it goes.’’
