Jake Shields Retains his Strikeforce Title
By George Hernandez
In a great night of fights including three championship contests “King” Mo Lawal was crowned the new light heavyweight champion, while Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields retained their titles. But all the fights were over shadowed by the brawl that broke out after the Shields, Dan Henderson main event at Strikeforce:Nashville Saturday night.
Lawal takes care of Mousasi to win belt;
In the first championship fight of the night underdog “King” Mo Lawal (7-0) captured the Light Heavyweight championship from Gegard Mousasi (28-3-1). Lawal’s wrestling was too much for Mousasi who was getting taken down at will. Mousasi was landing a lot of strikes from his back that caused Lawal’s eye to swell shut. Lawal was just to good of a wrestler. Lawal did look tired at the end of the first round but rebounded taking the next four wining by unanimous decision. Mousasi was never in trouble and was he was out striking Lawal on their feet. Lawal’s next step might be Dreams light heavyweight tournament in Japan.
Melendez is too much for Aoki;
Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (18-2) defended his bout against dangerous Dream lightweight champion Shinya Aoki (23-5). Melendez controlled the fight from start to finish, Melendez got his distance and out struck Aoki on their feet and never really tired to take the fight to the ground. Aoki on the other hand had 18 takedown attempts and did not get one. Melendez also landed some hard ground and pound that busted Aoki’s nose. Melendez won on all judges score card five rounds to none.
Shields proves he’s for real;
Jake Shields (25-4-1) took a beating for the first round against Dan Henderson (25-8). Shields came back to win the next four rounds to dominate the former Pride middleweight and light heavyweight champion. Shields out wrestled the wrestler and used his superior ju-jit-su to control Henderson. Shields through the fight had 17 dominant positions on Henderson. Shields retained his middleweight championship with a unanimous-decision victory.
The melee;
In the post fight interview with Shields, Jason “Mayhem” Miller interrupted and asked for a rematch to their November 2009 bout which Miller lost. Lightweight champ Melendez, a teammate of Shields stepped in the middle of the two, but Shields pushed Miller and Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz, and UFC fighter Nate Diaz jumped on Miller and took him down. While Nick was on top punching Miller, Nick was over him kicking him. Henderson’s camp jumped in to break up the fight and order was restored. Shields and Miller later on apologized for their actions.
Other results;
Ovince St. Preaux def Chris Hawk by TKO (strikes) – Round 1
Andrew Uhrich def Dustin West by submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1
Jason “Mayhem” Miller def Tim Stout by TKO (strikes) – Round 1
Cale Yarbrough def Josh Schockman by TKO (strikes) – Round 2
Zach Underwood def. Hunter Worsham by unanimous decision
Dustin Ortiz def Justin Pennington by submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1
Cody Floyd def.Thomas Campbell by knockout (strikes) – Round 3
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