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Strikeforce Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold showed why he is the future of MMA when he defended his title against UFC veteran and Chuck Liddell conqueror Keith Jardine.
In what was a match of contrasting styles, Jardine was using his awkward brawling style to good effect in the opening minutes landing some kick to the inside of Rockhold’s lead leg, while both men were still trying to find their range Rockhold attempted a flying knee but while the knee was off target he was able to clinch Jardine up against the cage.
Both men started to trade knees with Rockhold landing the more significant blows but when he missed with an elbow attempt Jardine was able to break free and reset himself in the centre of the cage. After dodging a head kick attempt from Jardine egged on the champion and was met with a spin kick to the torso for his efforts, moving in the champ started to fire off with left and rights before Jardine backs away. Looking to slow down Rockhold, Jardine was able to land more leg kicks before being knocked down when he and Rockhold started trading some leather.
Trying to shake off the cobwebs ‘The Dean of Mean’ goes toe to toe with Rockhold again but is hit with a right and is dropped to a knee before Rockhold finishes him against the cage for the win. Winner Luke Rockhold via TKO (punches) Round 1, 4:26.
Robbie Lawler Knocks Out Amagov In Co-Feature Bout
Despite getting hit with an illegal knee from Russian Adlan Amagov, ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler showed resolve to shake it off and record the win with his own (but legal) knee and punches.
Lawler looked to stamp his authority early rushing Amagov from the opening bell but was taken down by the surprisingly calm Russian.
Amagov did a good job of controlling Lawler on the ground grabbing hold of guillotine when, still on the ground he landed a knee to Lawler’s head which referee Steve Mazagatti deducted a point for.
After being given time to recover from the blow, Lawler lands a flying knee after the restart and follows up with punches to end the match. Winner Robbie Lawler via TKO (flying knee, punches) Round 1, 1:48<
King Mo Stops Larkin In Round 2
‘King Mo’ Lawal took one step closer to getting a Strikeforce Light-Heavyweight title shot, a title he once held, when he defeated Lorenz Larkin. Lawal didn’t want any part of the flashy striking that Larkin is known for and wasted no time getting the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown, once there he unleashed some nasty ground and pound.
Even though Lawal was staying active, referee Kim Winslow stood the fighters up with one minute remaining in the first, giving Larkin a chance to strike but gave too much respect to the wrestler and holding back until he decided to finish the round with a flurry.
Lawal again took down Larkin to open the second stanza, again staying active Lawal found it bit harder to throw down as Larkin this time controlled his posture, but it was short lived as Lawal was able to break Larkin’s hold and rain down with right hands for the TKO victory. Winner ‘King Mo’ Lawal via TKO (punches) Round 2, 1:32
Woodley Shuts Down Mein With Ground Game
Jordan Mein showed that he came to fight landing an uppercut on Woodley early, but it wasn’t long before he succumbed to the superior wrestling.
While on the ground Woodley found it hard to establish some ground and pound as Mein stayed active on the bottom, stopping Woodley from posturing up and almost sweeping him. Mein was able to create some space and gets back to his feet. Woodley attempts to clinch again but Mein is able to get out of it and throw a kick to finish the round.
In round 2 Mein tries to find his distance with his jab before Woodley fakes the takedown attempt and lands an overhand right and this time clinching and getting the takedown. Again Mein was able to stop Woodley posturing up and throw elbows from his back. Woodley seemed happy to just control Mein and land the odd strike and finish the round from the top position.
Round 3 again sees Woodley get the takedown landing in Mein’s half guard before he gets pulled back into full guard. This time Woodley tries to set up a submission attempt but decides against it and continues to pound away and control Mein, who is making it quite difficult with a kimura attempt and elbows to Woodley’s head.
After some inactivity they are stood up, and Mein tried a wild kick that misses, this time he goes after the takedown but is unsuccessful. Both men finish the fight in the clinch. Woodley had done enough in the judges eyes. Winner Tyron Woodley via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Saffiedine Defeats Stinson By Split Decision
Tarec Saffiedine looked to unseat Tyler Stinson early in their bout, mixing up his strikes and switching his stance from south paw to orthodox. Both men started to trade blows before they clinched for a short time, where Stinson rocked Saffiedine and opened a cut over his right eye. Stinson was able to continue his momentum and land some left hooks which Saffiedine had trouble seeing due to the damage to right eye. Stinson really started to get his groove and landed some big shots to finish the round.
Both looked to assert their dominance at the start of round 2 with both men throwing head kicks and Stinson going after Saffiedine with more confidence. Coming off second best on the feet Saffiedine moves in and is able to secure a double leg takedown. Stinson looked to stay active on his back throwing up submission attempts but the Team Quest fighter was able to stay clear and land some good shots from Stinson’s guard to not warrant a stand up and finish the round on the ground.
Saffiedine accidently kicks Stinson in the cup to open the final round. Not long after the restart Saffiedine is able to secure the takedown. Stinson again tries submission attempts but Saffiedine is able to stay out of them. Saffiedine pushes Stinson against the cage and continues his assault from the guard. After some inactivity both fighters are stood back up and with Stinson tries to finish strong and both men trade some blows to finish the fight. Saffiedine gets the split decision.
Winner Tarec Saffiedine via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
