Frank Shamrock vs. Cung Le: March 29, Strikeforce Middleweight Title On The Line

by Luke Thomas on Jan 16, 2008 10:41 AM EST in MMA News

I received word via a press release:

After months of circling around each other, world champions and Bay Area rivals, Frank Shamrock (23-8-1) and undefeated Cung Le (21-0), will finally face off in the cage when Shamrock defends his Strikeforce World Middleweight (185-pound limit) Championship against Le in the main event of an eagerly anticipated EliteXC-Strikeforce co-promoted mixed martial arts extravaganza Saturday, March 29, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif..

"This is absolutely a tremendous fight and an extremely dangerous fight for both fighters, but one I know they have wanted and the fans have been waiting for and can't wait to see,''' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. "I can't wait to see it either. Shamrock is a true MMA legend, but Cung Le is one of the very best fighters around, and this is his chance to prove that to the world.

"Really, I have a ton of respect for both fighters and what they have accomplished. EliteXC is really looking forward to returning to San Jose where they truly have some of the most rabid and knowledgeable fans anywhere, and working again with Scott Coker and Strikeforce."

Said Scott Coker, Strikeforce CEO: "As a martial arts promoter for 25 years and as a promoter of both of these fighters, I've been watching the rivalry between Frank and Cung build for quite some time, so it's great to see this matchup finally come to fruition.

"This has the potential to be one of the greatest mixed martial arts fights of all-time because of the tremendous skill level of both fighters and the way they match up. It's an honor to be able to bring this fight to the fans along with EliteXC."

I love how they have Cung Le listed at 21-0 when he's only fought MMA professionally five times. No bother. This is an excellent match-up and notice that it's at middleweight. I don't think there's much chance of the UFC and Frank Shamrock doing business, but even if Cung loses here you have to think the UFC has their eye on him. So, hats off to Strikeforce and EliteXC for making this happen not just because it's a great fight but also because this is the sort of event to breath life into the UFC's competition. It's also a real test for both fighters, but particularly Le who has yet to have anyone gauge his ground game - a part of the game Frank Shamrock has down pat. Stay tuned.

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