Strikeforce Miami Results: The BankAtlantic Center was rocking last night, as Strikeforce invaded Miami with a rather interesting mixed martial arts fight card. Between former Heisman Trophy winners to former pro-wrestling guys to women’s MMA, Strikeforce Miami seemed to have something for everyone. And while the quality of the fights was somewhat mediocre, the refereeing left a lot to be desired and the commentating needing some serious work, it was certainly entertaining.
The biggest fight of the Strikeforce Miami Results night saw former collegiate/NFL star Herschel Walker make his professional MMA debut at the tender age of 47. Coming in as the sports betting odds favorite, Walker defeated 26-year-old betting underdog Greg Nagy by third round (2:17) TKO in a rather uneventful fight, that being kind. Nevertheless, Walker dominated his clearly less-skillful opponent.
“He was well-schooled, which you could tell,” Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker said. “He got out of the transitions well. He did some good standup, some good leg kicks. He wrestled well. He controlled the guy well. And he didn’t gas. His conditioning was unbelievable.”
Walker trained with AKA out West under the direct supervision of Javier Mendez. The 1982 Heisman winner spent a pretty good amount of time rolling on the mat with UFC heavyweight title contender Cain Velasquez, who’s despite his smaller frame, is one of the best-conditioned big man in the game.
“You’re going to be shocked by this, but not at all,” Walker said during his post-fight press conference. “There was no pressure and the reason why was I really thought the people at AKA prepared me for it. The fighters at the gym, everyone there, they prepared me for this. What I had to do was just go in the ring and do it.
“I’ve loved (MMA) for about four years. This isn’t something I just decided I wanted to do. It’s something I’ve thought about for over four years. I want to thank Scott Coker and Strikeforce and Showtime for putting it on so my family back home could see it, but this is something I’ve loved for a long time.”
The other big-name star on the card was American Top Team’s own, Bobby Lashley. The former collegiate and WWE wrestling champ quickly disposed (TKO) of ex-UFC heavyweight/TUF 10 cast-member, Wes Sims. It took Lashley just 2:06 to improve his pro MMA record to 5-0, displaying his ability to ground-and-pound from the guard as well as some transitions following a takedown just seconds into the fight.
Although it’s clear to see that Sims’ better days — from watching last night and from his appearance in TUF 10 — are behind him, it was a pretty good showing for a man who’s certainly getting the best possible training at ATT in Coconut Creek. Lashley is under the direct supervision of Grande Mestre, ATT/Brazilian Top Team co-founder Ricardo Liborio, who will be hosting a FREE clinic/seminar at ATT-DORAL on February 5th in Miami, FL.
Other Strikeforce Miami Results include:
Micahel Byrnes defeated David Zitnik by majority decision
Nick Diaz TKO’d Marius Zaromskis – 1st Round (4:38)
Cris "Cyborg" Santos retained her title with a 3rd Round (3:40) TKO victory over Marloes Coenen
Robbie Lawler KO’d Melvin Manhoef – 1st Round (3:33)
Jay Hieron defeated Joe Riggs by unanimous decision
Joe Ray TKO’d John Clarke – 1st Round (3:14)
David Gomez defeated Craig Oxley by unanimous decision
Pablo Alfonso Submitted (armbar) Marcos DaMatta – 1st Round (1:47)
Hayder Hassan TKO’d Ryan Keenan – 2nd Round (2:42)
John Kelly Submitted (RNC) Sabah Homasi – 1st Round (2:48)
