Strikeforce: Carano Vs. Cyborg

You know what I love about Strikeforce, and loved about EliteXC for that matter, is that their fighters show up to fight. I mean, there's no hesitation, no bullshit.... they get in there and fucking fight. There are hardly any decisions in these shows, whereas the UFC has them all the fucking time. I think that's because the fighters in Strikeforce feel secure, like they have nothing to lose because if they do lose, they will be on the next card nevertheless. Whereas the UFC fighters are so scared of losing their job, that a lot of them, especially on the undercard, play it safe when they step in the cage, which leads to a lot of stalling and hesitation. I don't know; just something I thought about while watching the show tonight. Anyone agree?

Anyway, Gina vs. Cyborg was a TREMENDOUS 1 Round fight, in my opinion. One of the best I've ever seen. And a part of me is glad it ended the way it did, because if Gina is up to it (though I wouldn't blame her if she wasn't), then we might get a rematch sooner rather than later. But she showed some awesome heart tonight. Her head wasn't in the right place though, because instead of using footwork, she decided to stand in front of Cyborg and brawl, which just wasn't a good idea. Cyborg is just too fucking big and powerful for Gina. The only way she would have, and could have in the future, defeated Cyborg was by moving around the cage, putting her up against the cage (ala Couture), and wearing Cyborg's big ass down. But there's no way in hell Gina could ever win a toe-to-toe contest against someone like Cyborg. I don't think any woman can, really. But still... great fight, and hopefully there's a rematch. If not, then hopefully we at least see both ladies in there with different opponents real soon.

Babalu was a huge disappointment tonight, huh? Man... when he loses, he loses BADLY (just like the Chuck Liddell fights). But fuck man, losing to someone like Gegard Mousasi is NOTHING to be ashamed about, and it doesn't matter how you lose, either. That guy is just a fucking monster. But I hope Babalu can rebound from this and work his way up to a rematch, as there aren't many Light Heavyweight contenders outside of the UFC anyway.

Gilbert Melendez looked fucking spectacular and that's all there is to say. I mean, Ishida is a bad motherfucker, and Melendez dominated him in every fashion. It was unbelievable. There is no way Thomson stands a chance against the Melendez we saw tonight. No way.

And even though Werdum finished off his opponent quickly, I still wasn't impressed, to be honest. He was losing the battle on the feet, his takedown attempts were horrible, and he beat someone who is just completely illiterate on the ground. I like Wedum, I do... he seems like a very cool, respectful guy, but I don't think he deserves to be mentioned with the top tier of the Heavyweight Division. At least, not yet.
 
Gina Vs. Cyborg. I was surprised by this match. I wasn't expecting Gina to brawl with Cyborg at all. I was thinking Gina would keep her distance, and as Frank Shamrock also mentioned before the fight, use her front kick. I think shit went down hill as soon as Gina let herself get corned against the cage. With no where to go, Cyborg just pummeled her, but to Gina's credit she has a good chin. After Gina managed to get away from that flurry, I just saw her brawl with Cyborg. She threw by my count two kicks only in total. After that flurry that Cyborg landed Gina just basically brawled, which is something you should never do with someone like Cyborg. And again though, to Gina's credit I thought she showed she had a good chin during this fight, and actually reversed 2 of Cyborg's takedowns. I'm sure we'll see a eventual rematch for this fight.

Gegard Vs. Babalu. I was pretty split in this match since I was a fan of both, but in the end sided with Babalu since I have been watching him fight for much longer then Gegard. Gegard looked great in this fight. Although it was quick, Gegard managed to get Babalu down, and get in side mount, which was impressive. From side mount Gegard just basically pounded away at Babalu and won. Impressive debut in the states for Gegard. Looking forward to his reign.

Melendez Vs. Ishida. Man Melendez looked amazing in this fight. Melendez showed great timing with his counter striking. Everytime Ishida would move to strike or to attempt a takedown, Melendez would be ready and throw some great counter strikes. Even when Ishida got his takedown's, Melendez would use the cage to help him stay or reverse them, impressive dominating display by Melendez. Thompson better watch out whenever he gets back, Melendez looks hungry.

Werdum Vs. Kyle. Man did this fight worry me the first few seconds. I thought Werdum was actually gonna try and strike, instead of taking it to the ground. Luckily Werdum managed to get a takedown and showed why he is the level of black belt he is. Werdum smoothly transitioned out of the armbar Kyle had into side mount. From there I'm not sure if Kyle scrambled out of it, or Werdum let him get out, but the second he scrambled and left his head open, Werdum caught him with a guillotine choke. It's great to see Werdum pick up this win. With taking close to no damage in that fight, I hope he gets added to the October 10th card to fight either Fedor, Roger's, or Overeem.
 
Gina finally speaks:

For the people who have supported me this far..

I wanted to take time to collect my thoughts and speak from the heart rather than spew out some cliché anecdote about a tough loss. I know I am a better fighter than the way I performed that night and was heartbroken to not give more to those who have been inspired. However, I find some relief in knowing that this has never been only about me, and now more than ever I feel freedom to learn and grow at my own pace. I make it a point to constantly remind myself throughout this journey who I am, what I am doing, and why. Life is the most amazing gift and I want to live it for the right reasons. To my family, coaches, management... thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, loving and encouraging me. Also a special thanks to the fans who support me from their computers at home, watch me on television and scream for me in the stadiums. Because of you, barriers have been broken down and you have inspired me to believe in a larger dream. Congratulations to Cris Cyborg and the women of MMA who have a great platform to shine. I am more excited than ever for female fighters and this amazing sport which has transformed my life. God Bless.

Gina


I think she will learn from the loss & become a better fighter for it. She just got beat by the better woman that night! I can't wait for the rematch. She's still going to be the female face of MMA & people are going to be watching to see what happens next!
 

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