"I focused too much on boxing and not enough on the wrestling and jiu-jitsu. It wasn’t right. It’s another thing I have to think about. MMA is not boxing. I have to change something."

"I don’t understand this question about my chin. When you open your face for four or five punches it doesn’t matter your chin, you will get KOed." Crediting his adversary, he continued, "Rogers was great, he did what he did. I took the fight and I got my ass kicked, it’s that simple. It’s embarrassing, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I have to move on. I’m definitely going to come back."

Andrei Arlovski talking to the camera on his official web site.

HT MMA Unlimited

Lots of people rightly wonder what happens to the welterweight division in the UFC if Georges St. Pierre beats Thiago Alves.  Alves winning would open things up, and he has a good chance, but if GSP wins the next contender is an open question.  Mike Swick could be a default contender, and Martin Kampmann is a few wins away, but unless the UFC brings in new talent they will have an Anderson Silva-in-2008 situation all over again.

Nick Diaz would be a boon to the UFC's welterweight division.  His camp says he wants to fight at 170 from here on out, and it's clear to me that he is far better than he ever was when he was in the UFC.  Fights like Diaz-Hughes and Diaz-Serra would be promotional gold mines, and a potential fight with GSP would probably do huge money if Diaz won a few in a row.  From the pure sport perspective, fights with Alves and Fitch would be very interesting as well.  He's finally hit his stride after a rough patch, and I'd really like to see him against some elite talent.

Jake Shields also earned a shot at GSP's title with his performance last night.  Say what you will about Lawler's performance, Jake pulled out a great win over a good middleweight.  He found himself in a nightmare position for a grappler, unable to get a hard-hitting opponent down.  Instead of folding, he found a way to win, and he deserves a lot of credit for it.  His kickboxing is still poor, he stands straight up and throws one shot at a time from way outside, but it worked last night.  I think St. Pierre would throttle him, but he has earned a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

From Strikeforce's perspective, the natural fights to promote are Diaz vs. Cung Le and Shields vs. Riggs.  Shields is obviously planning on leaving, so putting him in with Cung Le makes no sense.  Diaz looks locked in, and a fight with Cung Le should be easy to promote.

Today on "MMA Nation" we'll be joined by DREAM middleweight contender Jason "Mayhem" Miller. We'll talk to Miller about his rematch with Jacare at DREAM.9, his stint on MTV's "Bully Beatdown", and more.

We'll also talk with UFC middleweight contender and coach of "The Ultimate Fighter" season 9, Dan Henderson. We'll ask Dan about his upcoming fight with Michael Bisping at UFC 100, a potential title shot rematch against Anderson Silva and more.

And, of course, lots and lots of talk about Kimbo Slice being on "The Ultimate Fighter" season 10, WEC 41 and Strikeforce talk, and much more.

"MMA Nation" airs every Saturday 7:00pm EST to 9:00pm EST on 106.7 WJFK. To listen live over the Internet, go to WJFK's website and click "Listen Live".

I'm also now on Twitter: @mmanation.

"MMA Nation" is also available by podcast on iTunes.

Number to call: 800-636-1067

Email here.

Talk to you then.

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields coverage

WEC 41: Brown vs Faber II coverage

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields; June 6, 2009
Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri

Main Card:

Robbie Lawler (16-4) vs. Jake Shields (22-4-1)

Luke Thomas: Very tough call, but where the grappler in Miller absorbs punishment well, the grappler in Shields does not (or at least not nearly as well). Shields will threaten and could even take the bout late as Miller was able to do after weathering an second round storm, but I suspect he will ultimately succumb under the damage of Lawler's power punches or GNP. Lawler by TKO, round 2.

Kid Nate: Lawler's got a size advantage, a standing advantage, a power advantage. Shields has a submission advantage, a wrestling advantage, a skill advantage. I think Lawler has a puncher's chance, but I have to think that Shields' will be able to get him on the ground and submit him there. Shields by submission.

Brent Brookhouse: I don't think the size difference factors in too much in this fight.  Shields is a very strong 170 and Lawler isn't overly reliant on his strength.  The trick here is that Shields isn't great on his feet so if he can't close the distance and put Lawler on the ground he's going to lose a very one sided fight.  That being said, Lawler has been feasting on guys that want to play his game.  Shields isn't going to be willing to stand and trade.  I'm going with Shields because I think he can put Robbie on the ground and submit him once there.  Jake Shields by submission, round 2.

Mike Fagan:  It's a bit cliche to call this your classic "striker vs. grappler," but this is your classic striker vs. grappler matchup.  The inherent advantage the grappler has in these matchups is negated in part or full by Lawler's size advantage.  I think I like Lawler here with his size and power.  Robbie Lawler by decision.

Eugene Schelfaut: Jake Shields had more trouble than required in his last fight against Paul Daley. Shields is an instant threat to Lawler on the ground, but Lawler should be able to sprawl his way to an easy victory on the feet. Lawler by KO, Round 1.

Leland Roling: This is definitely a tough fight to call. Lawler has the clear advantage in the standup game while Shields is much more dangerous on the floor. I'm going with Lawler. I think he has the takedown defense and wrestling capabilities to stuff Shields a few times, and Shields' standup is far from great. "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler via TKO, Round 2.


Nick Diaz (19-7) vs. Scott Smith (15-5)

Luke Thomas: Diaz's chin, reach and Smith's straightforward open striking will cause him to take major shots from Smith and while Diaz's takedowns are often languid, they are enough against Smith's abilities. Either the fight hits the floor and that's a wrap or Smith - who doesn't mind accumulating damage to dish it - eventually takes enough damage to wilt under the pressure. Diaz by TKO, round 3.

Kid Nate: Nick Diaz will be able to hit Smith at will standing but he won't do much damage. Look for Smith to figure out a way to hit Diaz back in the second round. After that Nick will come to his senses, get the takedown and finish Smith. Diaz by submission.

Brent Brookhouse:  Diaz has some of the most overrated boxing technique in the sport but it is effective.  Still, Smith has good power and obviously he has heart for days.  The real x-factor here for me is how Smith handled Radach.  Benji has really nice technique and is a naturally big guy and Smith was able to survive and eventually find a home for one of his huge power shots.  I don't normally like banking on intagables like "heart" but I'm going with Smith here in a grueling fight.  Scott Smith by TKO, round 3.

Mike Fagan:  At the risk of getting Sherk'd again, I like Diaz in this fight.  He's not trying to insanely cut to 155/160 anymore, and if we're to believe Cesar Gracie, that's a good thing for Nick.  I hope he doesn't try to out-tough Smith on the feet because that's not the best strategy given his 1) lack of KO power and 2) pretty strong advantage on the floor.  Nick Diaz by decision.

Eugene Schelfaut: I would like Diaz in this fight if I thought he was going to try to get Smith to the canvas. After he gets tagged himself, Diaz will look to take out Smith on the feet. I think Smith's power wins that battle. Smith by TKO, Round 2.

Leland Roling: Nick Diaz has let me down before, and I find his style in trying to outbox EVERYONE put in front of him to be rather disheartening when he manages to get dropped three or four times in one round. Smith has that capability, but I'll rely on Diaz's iron chin, technical boxing, and jiu-jitsu ground game to give him a victory. Nick Diaz via TKO, ROund 2.


Andrei Arlovski (15-6) vs. Brett Rogers (9-0)

Luke Thomas: Arlovski has the more polished, positionally angular striking arsenal, but Rogers has big power and an unrecognized reach. It is not out of the question whatsoever that Arlovski could get slept here. However, the odds are more likely to shine on Arlovski here. He's too much the technician and all the physical brute Rogers can handle. Arlovski by TKO, round 2.

Kid Nate: Rogers shouldn't present anymore of a threat to Arlovski than Paul Buentello did back in Andrei's UFC heyday. Rogers has power but much less skill on the feet. Andrei is far more multi-faceted both on the feet and by virture of merely having a ground game. Rogers could score a KO from a lucky punch, but I don't see it. If anything I'm concerned we'll see boring, cautious Andrei. Arlovski by decision.

Brent Brookhouse:  Andrei absolutely SHOULD win this fight.  But as I've said several times, his biggest liability (chin) is Brett's biggest asset (power punching).  Rogers looked plodding and slower than I thought he had in the past when he fought Ron Humphrey.  Still, I'm kind of feeling the upset here.  Arlovski is the better technical striker and he has good power but in an exchange Rogers presents more of a threat with his power than did Rothwell or Nelson.  I just can't pick against common sense here though.  I do think Andrei's "glass chin" is not as big of a problem as some make it out to be and he will be able to get in and out with his striking before knocking Rogers out.  Andrei Arlovski by TKO, round 2.

Mike Fagan:  Blah blah blah Arlovski's chin blah blah blah.  It didn't haunt him in the Rothwell fight or the Nelson fight. (OK, it did affect him in the Datsik fight, but that's beside the point.)  Yeah, he has a chin problem, and yeah, Rogers hits hard.  But Andrei's bigger, faster, and more technical.  Andrei Arlovski by TKO, round 2.

Eugene Schelfaut: I don't know wherefrom the Rogers hype comes. He has not faced the same level of competition as Andrei Arlovski and does not wield a skill set which would make his asset, that power, a threat for Arlovski. He was the man to beat Kimbo, but that does not apply here. Arlovski by KO, Round 2.

Leland Roling: Arlovski's chin will be the main concern in this matchup. Rogers has already stated that he's well aware that Arlovski's jaw could be on the decline, so look for Rogers to unleash some huge shots whenever he can. With that said though, I still believe Arlovski's increased speed in his hands is going to be hard for Rogers to contend with. Andrei Arlovski via KO, Round 1.


Joe Riggs (29-10) vs. Phil Baroni (13-10)

Luke Thomas: I've always been a sucker for Baroni, but not this time. I haven't seen the Baroni who slept Chonan and Kondo in a long, long time. And yes, Riggs is prone to wilt under big punchers, but Baroni wilts just a little more easily. Riggs, by TKO, round 1.

Kid Nate: This is a fun fight and I actually hate to see either guy lose this fight -- I enjoy rooting against them both so much I'd hate to see either fall out of the (nearly) big league. Riggs is certainly the more well-rounded, better conditioned fighter, but his luck is just dreadfully bad. I think Baroni's going to catch him with some bombs early and Riggs will drop like he did against Sanchez or Misaki. Baroni by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse:  I like Phil Baroni fights because I get to do this every time...Phil Baroni's cardio is a joke, his big beach muscles will leave him gasping for air by the end of the first round and (insert opponent here) will be able to do whatever he wants at that point.  Phil Baroni's opponent by failure of cardio.

Mike Fagan: I shouldn't like Phil Baroni.  He's loud, he's obnoxious.  He has that annoying thick NY/NJ accent.  He's not that great of a fighter and he always has poor cardio.  I made money against him in the Hose fight.  He's probably homophobic.  But for some reason I do.  And for a similar unknown reason, I don't like Joe Riggs.  So, Phil Baroni by KO, round 1.

Eugene Schelfaut: This should not get near the third round. Picking against Baroni does give me a bit of joy, I confess. Riggs has more tools on the ground, but I don't think it gets there. Riggs by KO, round 1.

Leland Roling: Well, one thing is for certain... this isn't going the distance. Both guys have terrible gas tanks, but I'd give the nod to Riggs in the cardio department as he may be able to muster out an extra minute more than Baroni. The fact of the matter is that either fighter could win in the opening minute, but skill-wise... Riggs has better striking and a brutal ground and pound game. Joe Riggs via TKO, Round 1.


Kevin Randleman (17-12) vs. Mike Whitehead (23-6)

Luke Thomas: This is easily the worst fight on the main card. I expect a lot of over-under clinching and stuffed shots from the outside without much else. I'd like to pick Randleman and I don't blame you if you do, but his time off from active competition worries me. Whitehead doesn't draw gasps and the lamentations of the women, but he does usually win especially when he's fighting one-dimensional opposition. Whitehead by split decision.

Kid Nate: Let's not forget that Randleman has some power standing. Its easy to overlook given his usually tepid layNpray game. I think Kevin will hurt Whitehead on the feet and do enough hammerfisting on the ground to get a stoppage. Whitehead is more well-rounded but doesn't have enough skill in any one area to win. Randleman by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse:  A part of me is rooting against Randleman just because I don't think that my heart can take another round of "Kevin Randleman is on top of the world...oh wait, his life is imploding."  I think Whitehead can beat him if he can survive being on bottom for a round.  You can catch Randleman in a sub and if Whitehead can get the time to find his spot I think he'll catch Kevin.  Mike Whitehead by submission, round 2.

Mike Fagan: Ugh, a fight between a guy who had a ton of potential, won a heavyweight title, and just had everything go to shit against the guy who's a solid fighter, but has never really put it together.  I'm going to go with Whitehead simply because I think he's the only one with any shot at finishing the fight.  Mike Whitehead by submission, round 3.

Eugene Schelfaut: I will go with the more dominant wrestler, even though he is on the decline. Kevin Randleman does just enough to win. Randleman by decision.

Leland Roling: Randleman's gameplan is already a given. He'll come out and try to takedown Whitehead with powerful double legs and maintain top control while barely damaging Whitehead. I should probably go along with Whitehead winning, but I'll be nostalgic and pick Randleman by smothering top control. Kevin Randleman via decision.

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields coverage

Continue reading this post »

  
 Where: Al Hrabosky's Ballpark Saloon at 800 Cerre Street in downtown St. Louis.

When: 3 p.m. Central, 4 p.m. EST.

Check back later for weigh-in results and various forms of media. If you are heading to Al Hrabosky's be sure to give us a first-person report, as there is no indication of a live stream.  

MAIN CARD:

182 lbs. (Catchweight): Robbie Lawler (182.75) vs. Jake Shields (181.75)

265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski (244) vs. Brett Rogers (262)

180 lbs. (Catchweight): Nick Diaz (179) vs. Scott Smith (179.5)

170 lbs.: Phil Baroni (168.75) vs. Joe Riggs (170)

205 lbs.: Kevin Randleman (204) vs. Mike Whitehead (206)

UNDER CARD:

170 lbs.: Josh Baumgartner (173.5) vs. Jesse Finney (175.75) 

205 lbs.: Rafael Cavalcante (205.5) vs. Mike Kyle (202.5)

265 205lbs.: Booker DeRousse (204.25) vs. James Wade (205.25)

170 lbs.: Tyron Woodley (170.25) vs. Sal Woods (169.25)

185 lbs.: Lucas Lopes (186) vs. Scott Ventimiglia (185)

155 lbs.: Pat Benson (155.75) vs. Dave Cochran (153)

Strikeforce: "Lawler vs. Shields" begins Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields coverage

Continue reading this post »

 Photo by Esther Lin.

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields, June 6th:

Hometown advantage or not, Lawler ready for Shields - CBSSports.com 

Robbie Lawler's first fight after a long layoff will be within near walking distance of where he trains, but Derek Bolender says Lawler thinks preparation will trump location when he meets Jake Shields in a highly anticipated bout Saturday night.

Hard-hitting Lawler lets fists do talking - Yahoo! Sports

Robbie Lawler prefers throwing big bombs to blurting big words.

Esther’s Strikeforce pics - Fightlinker

Robbie Lawler gets ceremonial first-pitch honors at Thurday's Cardinals-Reds game | MMAjunkie.com

Savage Dog Show: Robbie Lawler 

Radio interview.

WEC 41: Faber vs. Brown II, June 7th:

Pros Pick: Brown vs. Faber II

Micah Miller: Brown by man strength.

Writers Pick Faber vs. Brown II - Versus

Sergio Non, USA Today: It will be a much tougher, longer fight this time, but Brown has the tactical acumen to get past Faber's whirling dervish style and the strength to keep him grounded.

Day 4 - Countdown - Urijah Faber

Urijah's video blog.

Continue reading this post »

More pictures at the Xtreme Couture blog.

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields coverage

Nick Diaz completes the Xterra Triathlon at Lake Las Vegas on Saturday.

Lots more pics at Combat Lifestyle.

Sherdog's Loretta Hunt with the scoop:

Touted Brazilian Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante will face fellow Pro Elite veteran Jared Hamman in a featured light heavyweight bout for Strikeforce "Lawler vs. Shields" on June 6 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Representatives from both fighters’ camps confirmed the bout to Sherdog.com on Thursday.

The matchup replaces a previously announced tilt for the Strikeforce light heavyweight title between champion Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Feijao. Sobral withdrew from the bout last week to prepare for the birth of his second daughter in late May.

Sobral will defend his title against the winner of the June contender’s bout.

Can't hate on this matchup - Hamman and Bobby Southworth were probably the best replacements available to Strikeforce and either would have been a solid test for "Feijao" on a card that's shaping up to be pretty interesting. Here's how it stands:

Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO

Main Card
Robbie Lawler (16-4) vs. Jake Shields (22-4-1)
Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (7-1) vs. Jared Hamman (10-1)
Joe Riggs (29-10) vs. Phil Baroni (13-10)
Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-12) vs. TBA

Preliminary Card
Jesse Finney (3-0) vs. Josh Bumgarner (0-0)
Tyron “Tabasco” Woodley (1-0) vs. Sal Woods (2-4)
Scott Ventimiglia (12-5) vs. Lucas Lopes (8-8)
Pat Benson (3-5-1) vs. Dave Cochran (16-19)
Booker DeRousse (1-1) vs. James Wade (0-0)