For me, Saturday's main event between Frank Shamrock and Cung Le was somewhere between good and great. I will call it a very good fight.

Round three was tremendous and while Shamrock vs. Le might be the fight of the year thus far, I think it will be a disappointing year for MMA if it is in the top five of top matches come year's end.

I enjoyed the fight and the San Jose crowd really added to the atmosphere. But my biggest issue with Shamrock vs. Le was that while it was contested under MMA rules, it really wasn't an MMA fight. It was almost entirely a standup encounter, which I don't have a problem with if that's the an organic path for the fight to go down. But there were times when that fight could have and possibly should have gone to the ground and didn't. If someone gets swept off their feet and is lying on their back, a fighter should go in for the kill.

A lesser issue I had with the fight was Shamrock's incessant hand gestures throughout the fight. The "nighty-night" gesture during the Phil Baroni fight last June was awesome. But he went to the well once too often during the fight with Le. I'm all for a little showmanship and gamesmanship but when there is too much banter between combatants during a fight, the level of intensity decreases and it begins to feel like a glorified sparring match.

Having watched pro wrestling for so many years, I can recall several matches where you could see fighters calling their shots. Shamrock's gestures on Saturday kind of reminded me of that.

If Shamrock hadn't broken his arm, then the fight not only could have been fight of the year, but possibly one of the greatest of all time. That third round was amazing and it seemed liked the fight was building to a crescendo until it ended suddenly and in anti-climatic fashion.

Adam Morgan raised a good question, wondering what happened to Shamrock's wrestling game. Bill Goldberg made a good point off the air (and I think he might have said it on the air, but I'm not sure since I haven't seen the broadcast) which was that perhaps Shamrock can no longer change levels and shoot for takedowns like he used to because he has no ACL in one of his knees?

Another thing I didn't like from Saturday were the quick and one-sided outcomes during the undercard. The same thing happened during the SHOWTIME portion of the Miami card. I like action and sometimes a fight just doesn't go as planned. But as I said in my CBS article this week, I prefer seeing Ali vs. Frazier as opposed to Tyson vs. Spinks. I want to see fights, not squash matches. I don't think you can blame EliteXC or Strikeforce for the outcome of the undercard bouts due to all of the things that happened that were out of their control. I'm simply saying that I hope the style of matches we saw in Miami and San Jose do not become a trend.

One other thing I wanted to say was that I was really impressed by Tiki Ghosn's performance on the undercard. Ghosn recorded a unanimous decision over Luke Stewart, who was an undefeated welterweight prospect. It was a big win for Ghosn and his Muay Thai looked excellent. I hope Strikeforce brings him back soon and gives him a shot to fight for their still vacant welterweight title.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

Strikeforce vice president Mike Afromowitz is refuting a Sherdog.com report from last week that contradicted an "Inside MMA" report that claimed Kazuo Misaki had signed a two fight deal with the promotion.

According to Afromowitz, who spoke with Sherdog.com, the promotion has a signed contract from Misaki in its possession.

Under the terms of the Strikeforce contract, Misaki will still be allowed to fight in Japan. 

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

World Victory Road middleweight Kazuo Misaki has signed a two fight contract to compete for Strikeforce, Ron Kruck reported on this past week's edition of HDNet's "Inside MMA."

Misaki competed on WVR's inaugural card on March 5, where he record a submission victory over Afghan fighter Siyar Bahadurzada. Misaki also fought Yoshihiro Akiyama at Yarrenoka! in Japan on New Year's Eve. The fight ended in controversy as Misaki was originally ruled the winner of the fight but the decision was later overturned after it was ruled that Misaki executed an illegal kick.

There is no word as to when Misaki will make his debut or against whom.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

Sorry for the lack of posts today but I had to meet with my accountant (more tax stuff) and am working on a project with a big deadline.

The big news yesterday was MMAjunkie.com's report that NBC and Strikeforce are on the verge of announcing a deal that will result in Strikeforce airing on NBC late Saturday nights. Dave Meltzer doesn't believe it's too big of a deal and while his logic makes sense, I don't agree because the more MMA on network TV, the better.

Even if the initial time slot isn't the best, it's still better than nothing. Just because Strikeforce might not air until the wee hours of the morning doesn't mean that is going to be the case a year from now. You have to start somewhere.

I want to see MMA on network TV be a success because I'd love to see the sport head in a direction where it's routinely accessible for free as opposed to a pay-per-view basis. If MMA flops on network TV then you will have to continue to pay out of pocket in order to see the biggest fights.

Dana to show Arlovski more love?

I saw a clip of NBC Sports/MSNBC.com's MMA show and saw where Dana White acknowledged he may have made a mistake with Andrei Arlovski and that he needs to show him "some more love."

It was good to hear Dana say that on camera because both parties belong together. Arlovski obviously has other options, but will any of them be better than the UFC? A lot of fight promotions have thrown their hats into the ring (pun not intended) and it hasn't sparked the bidding war over fighters that so many of us anticipated. Aside from the UFC, is there another major promotion out there that is in a position of financial strength?

Looking at the other side of the coin, the UFC needs Arlovski too. While the UFC's heavyweight future looks very bright with Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, and Cain Velasquez, there's no time like the present. It's been two years since we've seen the old Andrei Arlovski but maybe once he gets a new contract he'll be more willing to go back and take some risks?

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I don't think Arlovski is going to re-sign with the UFC. That doesn't mean that I don't think it's what's best for all parties involved.

More bad news for M-1 Global

There's a fairly interesting post on a Russian MMA website that claims Vadim Finkelstein has basically seized control of M-1 Global. I'm not sure if there is truth to the report or not, as I am not familiar with the reporting record of the website in question. However, I did make a few calls and while no one confirmed the report, they weren't willing to deny it either.

I believe that a lot of readers of Internet MMA sites have a tendency to read too much into things and make incorrect assumptions, but in the case of M-1 Global, the communication issues we have seen in public and indicative of communication issues in private.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

NBC could be set to announce in the coming week that it has reached an accord with Strikeforce to begin televising mixed martial arts, MMAjunkie.com is reporting.

According to the report, Strikeforce would air taped matches during a late night time slot on Saturdays that would proceed "Saturday Night Live." Strikeforce telecasts could begin as soon as mid-April.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

Strikeforce has announced that Joe "Diesel" Riggs (27-9) has been added to its next card scheduled for February 23 at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington.

The former UFC welterweight and middleweight competitor is scheduled to face Cory Devela (12-2). Devela has won five consecutive fights with his most recent victory being a unanimous decision over Lodune Sincaid, a contestant from the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

No mention was made in the promotion's press release of Riggs' reported match vs. Joey Villasenor on the combined Strikeforce and EliteXC show scheduled for March 29.

The promotion has also announced that Eddy Ellis (12-14-1) will replace Duane Ludwig in a welterweight clash with Steve Berger (20-17-2). Ludwig was removed from the card as a result of accepting a fight against Takanori Gomi during World Victory Road's debut show on March 5 in Japan.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

ProElite.com (SamCaplan.ProElite.com) has confirmed through Strikeforce Vice President Mike Afromowitz that BodogFIGHT lightweight competitor Jorge Masvidal is under consideration to receive a shot at the promotion's lightweight title currently held by Gilbert Melendez on March 29 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.

The news was first reported in this week's print edition of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer. According to Meltzer's report, Koutetsu Boku is the other candidate that's receiving strong consideration.

The March 29 show, which will be co-promoted by Strikeforce and EliteXC and scheduled to air on Showtime, will be headlined by Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight title against Cung Le.

Masvidal, who currently trains with American Top Team in Florida, is an aggressive fighter who currently has two fights remaining on his contract with BodogFIGHT. However, Bodog is one of Strikeforce's top sponsors and has loaned its fighters to the promotion in the past. In fact, Masvidal competed under the Bodog banner on Strikeforce's September show at the Playboy Mansion, where he recorded a first round TKO over veteran Matt Lee.

Prior to the win over Lee, Masvidal, 12-2 knocked out Yves Edwards in the second round on a Bodog show in Trenton this past July. Masvidal greatly improved his national profile with the win and Edwards is now currently a teammate of his at ATT.

Josh Thomson was originally expected to challenge Melendez for the title. However, he suffered a shoulder injury while training and recently underwent successful surgery.

Melendez, 13-1, is coming off the first loss in his pro career after dropping a unanimous decision to Mitsuhiro Ishida at Yarrenoka! on New Year's Eve in Japan. He expressed his disastifaction with the judges' determiation during an interview with Ron Kruck of HDNet immediately after the bout.

Nicknamed "El Nino," Melendez possesses a strong ground game that has been developed under the guidance of Cesar Gracie. However, it's his aggressive standup style that has allowed him to earn a loyal fanbase. Melendez and Masvidal both like to push the pace of a fight while on their feet and the potential matchup is one that could generate a lot of excitement.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

Duane "Bang" Ludwig's opponent for Strikeforce's next show on February 23 in Tacoma, Wash. is Steve Berger, the promotion announced Sunday night.

The event, to be held at the Tacoma Dome, is also slated to feature matches involving Bob "The Beast" Sapp vs. Jan "The Giant" Nortje and K-1 kickboxing legends Maurice Smith and Rick "The Jet" Roufus in an MMA rules bout.

Ludwig, a kickboxing standout, is 16-7 lifetime in MMA. He is undefeated in two career UFC bouts with wins over Genki Sudo and Jonathan Goulet. He defeated Goulet at UFC Fight Night 3 after TKO'ing the Canadian fighter just 11 seconds into round 1.

Ludwig holds impressive career victories over Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Jens Pulver, and Tony Fryklund. His notable losses have come against Paul Daley, Josh Thomson, Tyson Griffin, and B.J. Penn.

The Colorado native is 1-2 lifetime in Strikeforce with his losses coming to Daley and Thomson and his win coming against Fryklund. He last competed on September 15 for the Ring of Fire promotion, knocking out Mario Stapel at 1:50 in round 1.

Berger, 20-17-2, has lost three out of his last four fights. He most recently competed for the BodogFIGHT promotion, where he compiled a record of 1-2. 

He made his Bodog debut on December 15, 2006, where he lost to Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision.  He rebounded during the promotion's TV taping in Costa Rica last February, winning a split decision over Piotr Jakaczynski. Berger last fought during the Vancouver tapings in August, losing a unanimous decision to Diego Gonzalez.

Berger holds two career wins a piece against Shonie Carter and Rich Clementi. He's also been defeated by Robbie Lawler, Din Thomas, Heath Sims, and Jake Shields during his 10-year career. 

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

Strikeforce announced Monday morning that Bob "The Beast" Sapp will make his U.S. MMA debut on February 23 in Tacoma, Wash. against Jan "The Giant" Nortje.

The event will take place in the Tacoma Dome. A broadcast outlet has not been announced for the show, which will also include an MMA rules match between U.S. kickboxing legends Maurice Smith and Rick "The Jet" Roufus.

Sapp is a former offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears who has trained in pro wrestling, kickboxing, and MMA since leaving the NFL. He has achieved mainstream notoriety in Japan competing in all three genres. Sapp was once profiled on CBS' "60 Minutes" with his level of stardom in Japan the main crux for the piece.

Sapp's MMA record is 9-2-1. His most notable bout was a loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in PRIDE in August of 2002. Nogueira submitted Sapp with an armbar at 4:03 of round 2. His most recent fight took place this past New Year's Eve in Japan during K-1's "Dynamite!" show. Sapp defeated entertainment personality Bobby Ologun via TKO at 4:10 of round 1.

Known primarily for his charismatic personality and imposing physical presence, Sapp has a reputation for not training properly for his fights and has been accused by many pundits of being more of a gimmick fighter. While he has fought some big names in K-1 and in MMA, most of his wins have come against suspect competition.

Nortje, who is billed as standing 6'11', has competed in boxing and kickboxing and is a former training partner of Sapp's. 

The South African native currently trains in Las Vegas, where he works with standout K-1 fighter Ray Sefo. Nortje last competed in a kickboxing match for K-1 in Japan on Dec. 8. He record a second round TKO of Dong Wook Kim in front of 17,000 people at the Yokohama Arena.

“I’m extremely excited,” Nortje is quoted as saying in a press release issued by Strikeforce. “I’ve always seen Bob get big opportunities so I think it’s my turn to show what I can do against him.” 

The combined weight of Sapp and Nortje is over 700 pounds. 

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com

A middleweight bout between Strikeforce fighter Joe Riggs and EliteXC fighter Joey Villasenor to take place on March 29 during a show to be co-promoted by both promotions in San Jose could be finalized in the next several days, according to website MMAjunkie.com.

Junkie reports that it was alerted to the possible matchup by Villasenor's camp. Neither Strikeforce or EliteXC have confirmed the bout.

The card is set to be headlined by Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight title against Cung Le.

Villasenor, 24-6, has not fought since defeating Riki Fukuda at EliteXC's "Uprising" event that took place this past September. Prior to that bout, he lost Murilo "Ninja" Rua in a fight to determined the first-ever EliteXC middleweight champion during Strikeforce and EliteXC's last combined show in June. He is currently slated to compete for the King of the Cage promotion prior to the 3/29 date.

Riggs had been scheduled for last week's ill-fated WCO show in San Diego, Calif. However, reports indicated that Riggs was involved in a car accident several days prior to the show and injured his ribs. Junkie reports that the injury is not expected to prevent him from fighting in March.

Riggs, who has a 4-4 lifetime record in the UFC, has won two consecutive fights since last fighting for the Zuffa organization. He recorded a first round submission via triangle choke vs. Dan Chambers on a Hardcore Championship Fighting card in July and knocked out Eugene Jackson in the first round during Strikeforce's show at the Playboy Mansion last September.

Shamrock and Le is the only official bout announced for the card, although Gina Carano, Gilbert Melendez, and Rua are all rumored for the card.

Melendez had been expected to defend his Strikeforce lightweight title vs. Josh Thomson but that match was scrapped after it was reported earlier this week by Sherdog.com's Josh Gross that Thomson was scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery.

Rua said several weeks ago in an interview with GracieMag.com that his next match for EliteXC would be in March. As of now, no other cards for EliteXC are scheduled to take place that month.

As for Carano, she became linked to the card as a possible participant after EliteXC live events president Gary Shaw confirmed that she would not compete on the promotion's next major card on Feb. 16 despite a previous announcement. Shaw indicated that her "training" schedule for the NBC television show "American Gladiators" would prevent her from competing in February but that the promotion was hopeful she'd be ready in time for the card on 3/29.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com