Cage Gossip: MMA News & Rumors for Strikeforce, the UFC & Bellator
Your weekly source for MMA news & rumors about Bobby Lashley, Vitor Belfort & more!
1) Lashley loses, MMA future in doubt?
After suggesting that Bobby Lashley was not a gimmick, but a legitimate fighter, Lashley went out and got beaten by a guy with world-class sideburns. According to Scott Coker, President of Strikeforce, Lashley is going to take a step back and reevaluate his future as a mixed martial artist. While nobody is discrediting Lashley’s skills as an amateur wrestler, he used those skills to obtain the mounted position, but could not finish the fight. Unconfirmed rumors said that Lashley was taken out of the arena following his fight on a stretcher.
2) Jacare Souza tops Tim Kennedy for Strikeforce Middleweight belt; Tournament still possible
Also taking place at Strikeforce: Houston, was a Middleweight title match to crown a champion due to the departure of former champion, Jake Shields. While much speculation was made about the Strikeforce Middleweight tournament, it turned out that Scott Coker had a bout between Tim Kennedy and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in mind. Souza was declared the champion by unanimous decision, though Coker has not ruled out the possibility of a tournament down the road.
3) Noons vs Gurgel fight marred by controversy
Strikeforce: Houston was filled with controversy as KJ Noons defeated Ohioan Jorge Gurgel by 2nd Round TKO. The controversy in the match was several questionable knees thrown by Noons that could have been called illegal, as well as a punch thrown by Noons that landed (and was thrown) significantly after the bell marking the end of Round 1 had sounded. Once the Texas Athletic Commission has sufficient time to review the fight, there is a possibility that Noons will be hit with a fine for his actions.
4) Vitor Belfort tweets his return to the Octagon will be in November 2010
According to his Twitter page, Vitor Belfort will not be sitting around and waiting for Anderson Silva’s ribs to heal. Belfort claimed via Twitter that he will be back in the cage in November. Some names being thrown around to face Belfort are Chris Leben, Yushin Okami, and Nate Marquardt (assuming Marquardt wins his fight at Ultimate Fight Night against Rousimar Palhares in September).
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5) Zoila Frausto among winners at Bellator 25 in Chicago
The Bellator women’s 115 lb. tournament competitors had better watch out for Zoila Frausto. Frausto controlled Jessica Pene and utilized some strong dirty boxing and striking to earn a unanimous decision. One thing that really impressed me was Frausto’s leg kick-head kick combination that showcased her speed and power. Also victorious at Bellator 25 were massive wrestler Cole Konrad, Damian Grabowski, Dan Hornbuckle, and Ohioan Torrance Taylor.
That’s it for this week’s edition of Cage Gossip, be sure to check back next week for the latest MMA rumors universe!
By Curt Heinrichs
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer