Live Results from Strikeforce Carano vs. Cyborg in San Jose, California. PFF Editor-in-Chief Scott Dryden is blogging live from the highly anticipated event.
The crowd is not yet in the arena. Frank Shamrock and Gus Johnson are at their table practicing. It is strange to see Gus in a t-shirt. Jimmy Lennon is in the cage working on his spectaular pipes. Jay Hieron and Ishida are loosening up. The rumor is Royce Gracie will be in attendance.
Visit ProFighting-fans.com to view photos of the Carano vs. Cyborg weigh-ins.
1st Bout: Lightweight- Alexander Trevino vs. Isiah Hill: A back and forth 1st round with both fighters gaining control and looking to end the fight. Finally 3:56 into the 1st round Trevino ended the fight with a victory via submission due to key lock.
2nd Bout: Zac Bucia vs. James Terry: Terry spends the first round moving forward and then puts Bucia away with a vicious right hand at 1:23.
Went back to the media room and spoke with the great Gus Johnson. I told him I admired him on CBS football and he has transitioned well on the MMA side. It quickly turned into a football conversation. Gus is from Michigan and I’m from Ohio so a lively discussion ensued. Gus conceded and stated he longs for the days of John Cooper.
3rd Bout: Lightweight Justin Wilcox vs. Tarzan Douglas: Cincinnati’s own Wilcox ate a few wicked punches early in the fight. Justin managed to survive and controlled the majority of the round by controlling Tarzan on the ground. The 2nd round was more of the same as Wilcox took Tarzan down and controlled the round. In the 3rd round Wilcox again took Tarzan to the ground and pounded him mercifully. Wilcox made Tarzan look like Jane grabbing a choke hold and forcing a tap out.
Royce Gracie just walked in.
4th Bout: Light Heavyweight Mike Cook vs. Scott Scott Lighty: The undefeated Lighty landed a wicked leg kick to the hand followed by several strikes. Cook survived but took a crippling left hand to the stomach which forced him to yell no mas but Lighty landed another shot for good measure. Keep an eye on this Lighty kid.
Nate Diaz is right behind me causing quite a stir. Don “The Predator” Frye just walked in. A lot of stars in the crowd tonight. I cannot believe how small Diaz is. Must be the “holistic” medicine.
5th bout: Welterweight Jay Hieron vs. Jessie Taylor: Taylor shot early in the round but Hieron reversed it and controlled the from the ground until referee Herb Dean stood them up with 20 seconds left in the round. Hieron bloodied Taylor and cruised through an easy 1st round. The 2nd round started with Hieron gaining control until Herb Dean stood them up with 2:20 left in the round. Hieron quickly took Taylor to the ground and assumed control. Dean again stood them up with :50 left in the round. Hieron yet again took Taylor to the ground. Not much damaged inflicted but Hieron clearly wins the 2nd round. Taylor shot early in the 3rd round but Hieron showed his great ability avoiding with an effective sprawl. Taylor finally landed a take down but did little with it. Hieron took Taylor to the ground and Dean stood them up yet again with :50 left in the 3rd and final round. The fight ended with a chorus of boos. Official Decision: Hieron via UD
Just spoke with the great Matt Lindland. Easily one of my best interviews. A great guy…
The main card is set to begin. A large crowd here in San Jose!! Royce Gracie just walked by press row!
A great intro by Showtime!! The crowd went bonkers as they showed Gina in the locker room!!
Heavyweight: Fabricio Werdum 11-4-1 vs. Mike Kyle 12-6-1: Werdum looks in great shape and unusually nimble. Kyle landed some shots but went to the ground which is the last place you want to be with Werdum. Werdum sunch in a guillotine choke and forced Kyle to tap out. When Werdum is in shape and focused he is hard to handle for any heavyweight. Official Decision: Fabricio Werdum via tap out due to a guillotine choke 1:24 into the 1st round.
Lightweight Interim Title Fight: Gilbert Melendez vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida:The crowd went wild when Melendez was introduced. The referee for the bout is Herb Dean. Both are very skilled fighters. They met previously where Ishida came out victorious. For most of the 1st round little happened as both fighters kept their distance. With 2:00 left Ishida shot in and took Melendez down. Melendez fought it off but remained on the ground. As the the bell rang Ishida had control. Tough round to call but I give a close round to Melendez. Herschel Walker is interviewed between rounds. The 2nd round also started slowly with Gilbert landing some counter punches. Both fighters are well conditioned which could push this to all five rounds. Ishida has blood flowing from his head. Melendez gained control landing several strikes and knees. The pace quickened with a flurry of punches. The 2nd round ended with Gilbert catching Ishida’s kick. 3rd round- Gilbert continues to use his reach advantage by maintaining distance and landing solid counter punches. Gilbert landed a wicked strike and knee knocking Ishida to the ground. Gilbert then pounced and landed a barrrage of strikes. Ishida tied him up and held off the onslaught. Melendez grabbed Ishida’s back and almost sunk in a RNC. He landed several blows forcing Herb Dean to stop the fight. Official Decision: Gilbert Melendez via TKO due to strikes 3:56 into the 3rd round.
There is enough plastic in the crowd to run a factory.
Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Babalu Sobral 35-8 vs. Gegard Mousasi 25-2-1: This should be a classic. For those of you who don’t know Mousasi he is a gret fighter. Look for Babalu to loose his title. Big John Mccarthy is the referee in charge. 1st Round: Mousasi jumped on Babalu and finished him quickly. He landed took solid punches from the mount position knocking Babalu stiff. Mousasi is a star in the making at only 24 years of age. Official Decision: TKO due to strikes 1:00 into the 1st round. Mousasi is now the Light Heavyweight Champion.
The attendance for tonight 13, 500.
I’m in silicone valley yet the internet connection here is horrible. How is that?
Main Event: Women’s 145 lb Title Fight- Gina Carano 7-0 vs Cris Cyborg 7-1: The crowd is going crazy during the pre-fight videos. Gina is the crowd favorite by a landslide. The crowd cascades a chorus of boos down on Cyborg as she makes her way to the cage. Absolute chaos as Gina begins her way to the cage. The crowd was incredible during the introductions. Its amazing how big a women’s MMA contest is. 1st Round: Santos quickly grabbed an ankle lock which Gina escaped. Then Santos landed several blows and threw Gina to the canvas. The action is very fast paced. With 3:00 minutes left in the round both fighters settled in and let the adrenaline wear off. The crowd erupts with chants of Gina, Gina, Gina. Santos landed several punches and leg kicks. Cyborg is very powerful. Carano has never competed against someone this strong. Santos grabbed an arm but Gina managed to escape with 1/2 minute left in the round. The referee stopped the fight almost at the exact second the round ended. A dominating performance by Santos.
Official Decision: Cris Santos via TKO due to strikes 4:59 into the 1st round. Despite the timing the referee made the correct decision.
Tags: carano vs cyborg, carano vs cyborg fight results, carano vs cyborg results, Cyborg Santos, Gina Carano, MMA Results, strikeforce august 15, strikeforce august 15 results, Strikeforce Carano vs Cyborg, Strikeforce Results