The press conference started off with a moment of silence for Charles "Mask" Lewis from Tapout.
Jimmy Lennon Jr. was the host of the press conference and gave a short bio of Strikeforce owner, Scott Coker. It was noted that Coker is widely respected by everyone in the MMA world.
Coker got on the mic and said "Today is a great day for mixed martial arts." He said he promoted his first MMA contest in 1985 and has been hooked ever since.
Coker introduced his partner, Silicon Valley Sports Entertainment's Jim Goddard.
They then introduced Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Renato "Babalu' Sobral, and Cung Le.
None of them had anything of significance to say. Most of these fighters are way better in the cage than they are with the media.
Le said he has been with Coker since 1998.
Babalu was dressed in a nice jacket, shirt, and tie.
A Showtime executive was introduced and he said the broadcast team will include Gus Johnson, Mauro Ranallo, Stephen Quadros, Frank Shamrock, and Pat Militech.
Coker mentioned a North American tour, that there is ongoing dialogue with Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano and their agents, and that there is a game plan to go into the pay-per-view business in about a year. He said pay-per-views should be done when a fight is relevant and the fans want to see it.
Coker also introduced Javier Mendez of AKA as Strikeforce's matchmaker.
A media member actually asked about a possible unification between the UFC and Strikeforce.
Scott Smith and Benji Radach were introduced. They will be fighting April 11. Both fighters were complimentary of each other.
Cyborg Santos was introduced and she had a translator with her. Her opponent on April 11 will be a fighter from Japan. I did not get the first name of her opponent but her last name is Akano I believe and her nickname is "Girl Fight Monster" if I heard correctly.
Josh Thomson and Gil Melendez were introduced as they shook hands and posed for pictures.
Melendez was in a black Raiders hat.
Thomson said this rematch will be more fast-paced and action-packed than their first fight. He said he admires and looks up to him. He is actually dreading the fight since he knows it will be tough and go five rounds. and that there will be lots of blood, sweat, and tears.
Melendez said he is looking forward to showcasing his skills to the entire nation. He admits that Thomson took it to him in their previous match, and he wants to prove he is way better than he showed in the first fight with Thomson.
Frank Shamrock and Nick Diaz were introduced but they did not shake hands. Shamrock extended his hand out but Diaz just gave him the middle finger. They then posed for pictures.
Shamrock said he is honored to be fighting and he thanked Cung Le for breaking his arm since it gave him new appreciation for MMA and also gave him time to spend with his daughter.
Shamrock said Diaz' weaknesses are that he has no power in his punches, and that his takedowns suck. He also said Diaz has no head movement and stands straight up.
Shamrock turned to Cung Le and once again thanked him for breaking his arm. Le replied with "My pleasure."
Media asked a few questions to the fighters on stage. Babalu said he is training hard and looking for a good opponent. What Babalu wants is to fight Tito Ortiz.
Cyborg mentioned she wants to fight Gina Carano next.
Strikeforce's May show will have Jake Shields vs Robbie Lawler as the main event.
2 comments:
can't wait for this bout! Both have got a chance. What's the line anyone?
There won't be a line for Strikeforce fights is there? I would say Shamrock would be a favorite???
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