Last Saturday, arguably strikeforce's most successful event went off without a hitch, as two of the organization's more dominant champions successfully defended their titles before an electric crowd in San Diego, California. Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez, teammates under the infamous Cesar Gracie brand, were both successful in their respective title bouts, with Diaz laying claim as one of the best and most dangerous welterweight fighters in the world with his first-round TKO over UFC castout Paul Daley, and Gilbert with his highly anticipated rematch with Japanese sensation Tatusya Kawajiri, which resulted in a one-sided TKO win for "El Nino". While the two men were perhaps among the nights most impressive winners, they were also among the top-earners for the entire event. ...

Multiple storylines came pouring out from the recent Strikeforce event in San Diego, California. Champions and teammates Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz were able to retain their titles in memorable bouts with some of their toughest tests to date, as both men challenged hard hitters in Tatsuya Kawajiri and Paul Daley (respectively) with both men earning first-round TKO wins. Shinya Aoki, the DREAM lightweight champion also returned victorious under the Strikeforce banner as he took out former top prospect Lyle Beerbohm with a first-round submission victory. And then there was the Gegard Mousasi and Keith Jardine bout, which resulted in a very disappointing majority draw, a decision which has been panned by the media and fans alike. However, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has a simple solution to that problem. Let's let them do it, again. ...

Keith Jardine has some "big ones". He always seems like the type of fighter that can always rise to the occasion, despite possessing one of the more infamously panned "chins" in the mixed martial arts community. He's pulled off the upset plenty of times. Having beaten Chuck Liddell who was just removed from his strap as the UFC light heavyweight champion and defeating Forrest Griffin with a first-round TKO, proves that Jardine is certainly no push over. However, if you would have told me that the Greg Jackson product had only nine-days to prepare for a fighter of the caliber of Gegard Mousasi, I would have told you that it's almost a "gimme" that the former Strikeforce titleholder would dismantle Jardine inside of the first-round. Such was not the case, and the result of the bout is the reason why this fight was my particular "Upset of the Night". ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another new edition of “Best of the Rest”! I really enjoy taking the time to give my detailed thoughts on a show after watching it, but after the serious discussion and debate I’ll raise in topics like “Top 5 Best Moments” and “Best Performance of the Night”, I think it’d be nice to have a tongue-in-cheek topic where I give out some other “awards”. It’s all in good fun, so don’t take any of it too seriously. So let’s dive right into this latest edition, now featuring Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”. ...

Strikeforce’s recent “Diaz vs. Daley” event featured several big finishes from some of Strikeforce’s brightest stars. And above all else, it was Team Cesar Gracie that showed their dominance, with Gilbert Melendez dramatically finishing Tatsuya Kawajiri while Nick Diaz became the first man to ever legitimately TKO Paul Daley. But which stars shined brightest, and what moments will fans be talking about in the following weeks? Here’s my take on the matter: my top 5 best moments of Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”. ...

Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley” was an interesting event to say the very least. It was a night of fights that featured brutal stoppages, fantastic submissions, and one very controversial Majority Draw. Now once again it’s time to ask: what’s next? What does the future hold after “Diaz vs. Daley”? Here’s my answer to just that: a new edition of my “What’s Next for the Winners and Losers” series of articles, now featuring Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”. ...

The first Strikeforce “Arena Series” show held under the Zuffa banner took place tonight, and “Diaz vs. Daley” is now in the history books. It was a night of fights that started big and got progressively bigger. Two championships were on the line tonight, and several amazing finishes occurred throughout the broadcast . Here are the full results as well as some early commentary on Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”. ...

Beginning his career as a heavyweight, Keith Jardine found his way into the UFC in 2006 when he competed on the second-season of "The Ultimate Fighter", where early he was pegged as one of the favorites to win his season, though he came up short in an exhibition bout with future teammate and best friend Rashad Evans, who went on to become the TUF champ. After a heavyweight tilt with Kerry Schall in the finale, Jardine moved down to the light heavyweight division where he managed to notch up impressive victories over the likes of notables Wilson Gouveia, Brandon Vera, and former champions Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin. After his exit from the promotion in 2010, which came on the heels of a four-fight losing skid, Jardine has since comprised a two-fight streak and hopes to add Gegard Mousasi--whom he meets this Saturday in Strikeforce--to his list of impressive victories. Regardless of the outcome though, "The Dean of Mean" intends to make a run in the middleweight class. ...

We’re now only a couple of days away from Strikeforce’s “Diaz vs. Daley” event. It’s a live, free night of fights on the Showtime network that I’ve spent a lot of time talking about. And for good reason: it’s a stacked “Arena Series” show with two dominant champions taking on two very worthy challengers. But now it’s time for my final say: this is another “Finally Final Thoughts”, covering my last, assorted thoughts and feelings before “Diaz vs. Daley”. Let’s get to it. ...

The last time former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi competed in Strikeforce was when he lost his championship to Muhammed Lawal. Lawal out-wrestled Mousasi for five rounds and took home both the Unanimous Decision win and Mousasi’s title. Gegard has since competed twice in the Japanese-based DREAM organization, winning both times, and at Strikeforce’s upcoming “Diaz vs. Daley” event, Mousasi makes his return against former UFC star Keith Jardine. “The Dean of Mean” steps in for an injured Mike Kyle in a bout that would have likely guaranteed the winner a shot at the championship. But what happens now? What if Mousasi wins? Here are my thoughts on just that. ...

On April 9, 2011, Strikeforce will hold its highly-anticipated “Diaz vs. Daley” event, featuring Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz defending the belt against one of the hardest strikers anyone at 170 could possibly face: KO machine Paul Daley. Also, Gilbert Melendez returns after an extended hiatus to defend his Strikeforce Lightweight Championship against Keith Jardine. Still, some fans may be asking themselves: what are the best reasons to check out this card? Here’s my answer to just that: 5 reasons to watch Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”. ...

We’re now only a few days away from Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley. In the main event, Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz looks to successfully defend his belt for the third time (which would make him the most dominant champion in Strikeforce history) by beating challenger and notorious bad-boy Paul Daley. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez returns after almost a year off to make the second defense of his championship, this time against Tatsuya Kawajiri. As is customary, here is my official “picks and predictions” post (covering who I think will win and why), now featuring Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Daley". ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to the latest edition of “Crash Course”. “Crash Course” is a series of articles designed to give readers a quick rundown on all the relevant information they need to know heading into an upcoming major MMA event. Everything from why you should watch, what you should expect in the co-main and main event, and even where and when you can find it on TV is all covered in detail. So let’s get right to it with today’s edition, featuring Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley” ...

I have no problem admitting that I felt quite deflated when it was announced that Mike Kyle had to pull out of his upcoming bout with Gegard Mousasi due to an injury. Kyle won me over as a fan back when he nearly stopped Antonio Silva and displayed quite a lot of heart and skill while doing so. But now Mousasi finds himself in much the same situation as BJ Penn: sitting on the sidelines and waiting for a new opponent. And in much the same vein, I’m going to throw my hat into the mix and give a list of the five fighters I think Gegard Mousasi should fight. Let’s dive right in. ...

Leading up to argubaly the biggest fight of his career, Mike Kyle will now not be able to continue as scheduled. The budding light heavyweight contender was originally scheduled to meet with Gegard Mousasi, the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, come April 9. The two fighter's were meeting on the main-card for "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley" however Kyle has once again broken his hand, which is something that has become a common occurence for the American Kickboxing Academy product. ...

Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson will enjoy some much needed time off. After debuting in the San Jose based organization in April of last year in disappointing fashion against then middleweight champion Jake Shields, the Team Quest co-owner has since rattled off a two-fight win streak inside the cage. In that stretch, Henderson dropped his patented "H-Bomb" on those two foes, Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Rafael "Feijao"--whom Dan dethroned as the promotions light heavyweight titleholder. Now, the living legend will be returning to the cage a little bit later this year, however upon his return he will have a bevy of contenders waiting on the wings to challenge him. ...

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has made good on his comeback. While he hasn't real gone anywhere, the Armenian has had to do a little bit of "redeeming" after a setback suffered in April of last year, where he lost the Strikeforce 205-pound title against world class wrestler, "King Mo". The title has been like hot potato since. Once Muhammed Lawal claimed the strap, he immediately lost it in his first defense when he took on Rafael "Feijao", who later relinquished his strap against current champ Dan Henderson. Now, Mousasi will look to find some consistency in a shaky division, after posting a two-fight win streak since his defeat to Mo, when he takes on perennial contender Mike Kyle. ...

Evangelista Santos, better known as simply "Cyborg", is arguably at the pinnacle of his career. He has the chance to capture the very prestigious Strikeforce welterweight title from one of the more recognizable and enigmatic figures in the sport, champ Nick Diaz. However, while the honor in of itself in claiming gold would be great, Evangelista has already set up a hit-list of sorts on those he would like to exact some revenge on in his near 14-year career as a mixed martial artist. Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi and former Cage Rage light heavyweight champion Melvin Manhoef are on the top of his list. ...

Japanese fans were treated to a bit of a second Christmas today, as the traditional MMA/K-1 New Year’ Eve super-show “DYNAMITE!!” continued to prove why it’s seen as the be-all and end-all in Japanese MMA year after year. No less than Alistair Overeem, Shinya Aoki, Gegard Mousasi, and Kazushi Sakuraba all competed at the event, with some coming out of the event much better than others. And to continue a tradition of my own, here’s the latest edition of “What’s Next”, featuring DREAM/K-1’s “DYNAMITE!! 2010”. ...

Who wants to wait a day for their MMA action? While most American fans are eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s UFC 125: “Resolution”, Japanese MMA fans were treated to a stacked card featuring MMA, K-1 kickboxing, and even a few “mixed rules” fights. “DYNAMITE!! 2010” has now come and gone, and several important fighters made several important statements at the massive year-end 2010 event. Highlights included Alistair Overeem dominating in classic Overeem fashion and Shinya Aoki being KO’d. So let's get right to it: here are the full results to DREAM/K-1’s “DYNAMITE!! 2010. ...

The fifteen-fight DREAM/K-1 “DYNAMITE!! 2010” super-card will combine MMA, K-1 kickboxing, and several unique “hybrid” bouts in a New Year's Eve extravaganza that shouldn't be missed. The event will feature some big names both in Japan and around the world, and as always, I just can’t help but pull out the crystal ball and unleash my inner Nostradamus. So let’s get to it with a new edition of “Picks and Predictions” featuring “DYNAMITE!! 2010”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another edition of “Crash Course”, the series of articles designed to give fans a quick rundown of all the latest upcoming MMA cards. We’re only five days away from the traditional year-end Japanese MMA super-show, “DYNAMITE”, and it’s shaping up to be an amazing card. Many prominent MMA fighters are expected to compete in a card featuring at least fifteen MMA, K-1, and even MMA/K-1 “hybrid” fights. So let’s get right to it and dive into the latest edition of “Crash Course”. ...

Despite rumors of financial instability and an inability to pay contracted fighters, Fighting and Entertainment Group continues to roll towards its “DYNAMITE” event with considerable effort and quite a lot of fanfare. The parent company of both MMA company DREAM and famed kickboxing organizations K-1, FEG is looking to put on a banner event on New Year’s Eve in order to enter 2011 on a promising, uplifting note. But how excited should non-Japanese MMA fans be for this multiple-hour extravaganza? Is the show worth checking out? Not only do I think it is, here’s a Top 5 of my big reasons to give “DYNAMITE” a watch. ...

If there’s one thing Japanese MMA promotions know how to do throughout the numerous ups and downs the sport has been faced with lately… it’s how to end the year with a bang. The annual “DYNAMITE” event brings together both K-1 and the Japanese-based MMA promotion DREAM for a mixed-card extravaganza that takes place on New Year’s Eve. Despite the recent rumors of financial woe plaguing both DREAM and K-1, new bouts continue to emerge for the event, some of them being pretty high-profile. Here are all the latest details. ...

Current DREAM light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has a lot on his plate of late. A previously announced strikeforce return next February will come after another stint back in Japan when the Armenian born fighter takes on another daunting task. Stepping up once again to the heavyweight division, which Mousasi has done twice before in matches with former PRIDE stars Mark Hunt and Gary Goodridge, Gegard is expected to meet K-1 legend Jerome Le Banner at DREAM's year end event, Dynamite!! 2010. ...

Former strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has some duties to attend to back in the San Jose based promotion. Losing his title earlier this year to then champion "King Mo", the Armenian fighter returned to the DREAM promotion in Japan where he initially attained his middleweight title, bounced back with two back-to-back first-round submission victories over UFC veteran Jake O'Brien and Tatsuya Mizuno, en route to the light heavyweight title. Now with new rumored bouts on the horizon, Mousasi sets the record straight as to where his future lies in the world of mixed martial arts. ...

After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the verdict is finally in: there will be no strikeforce Middleweight Tournament. Plans were put together for a one-night tournament to crown either a new challenger or the outright champion ever since Jake Shields left Strikeforce for the UFC, leaving the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship vacant. Ronaldo Souza defeated Tim Kennedy for the title back in August, but rumors still persisted that the one-night tournament would return. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker finally laid any and all rumors to rest recently. Here are all the details. ...

The former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Gegard Mousasi, has always been the kind of person that is quiet and reserved. He keeps to himself, and doesn't allow too many people in his bubble. It's part of his charm really... almost reminiscent of his friend, Fedor Emelianenko. Before losing his Strikeforce title to the former champion Muhammed Lawal, or "King Mo" depending on who you ask, Mousasi was thought to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. Holding notable victories in the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions, Gegard is a true force to be reckoned with in the mixed martial arts world. Though, an uninspired loss to the aforementioned Lawal, derailed much of the movement of the Armenian, he has since bounced back with two back-to-back victories over the likes of former UFC fighter Jake O'Brien, and Japanese star, Tatsuya Mizuno, whom the Holland native submitted inside of the first round at DREAM 16 for the promotion's light heavyweight title. ...

Surrounded by rumors of financial insecurity and even impending bankruptcy, Fighting and Entertainment Group’s “DREAM.16” event was seen by many as a make-or-break show. In fact, I myself posted an article entitled “If DREAM Falls, is Japanese MMA Doomed?” in the days leading up to the event. And now the ratings for in for the event which saw Gegard Mousasi become the DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion, Jason Miller beat his idol and Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba, and top-ranked Lightweight Japanese star Shinya Aoki score his twenty-fifth win. So what does the future hold for Japanese MMA? ...

In the face of unsettling financial troubles, the Japanese-based DREAM recently held their sixteenth event. “DREAM.16” featured notable Japanese stars like Kazushi Sakuraba and Shinya Aoki, as well as a host of other talented performers that included the ever-controversial but always-popular Jason Miller and the dynamic, talented Gegard Mousasi. In the main event, Mousasi would make quick work of his opponent in order to become the DREAM Light Heavyweight Champion. Mousasi has now become the first man to hold two championships in two different weight classes in DREAM. Here are the full results as well as my opinion on the card. ...