MMA - UFC - TUF LIVE

Taking a page from the UFC, Strikeforce teamed up with HDNet tonight to televise the majority of the nights undercard action. A total of four undercard bouts were shown with the night’s action being called by a dream duo of Michael Schiavello and Bas Rutten.

Listening to “The Voice” and “El Guapo” call the bouts tonight was amazing and a pleasure to listen too. The fans have wanted to see the two work together for a long time and thanks needs to go out to HDNet for making it happen. The worst part of having to listen to them is know that come the main card we’ll be relegated to the Showtime announcers.

The move to televise the undercard bouts is a great one by Strikeforce and will only help to improve their overall exposure. It’s unsure if HDNet will only be televising the undercard bouts for this event, all the heavyweight grand prix cards or will this be a regular occurrence.

Everyone should contact both Strikeforce and HDNet and tell them how much you enjoyed the undercard bouts and the announcing combination of “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and “El Guapo” Bas Rutten. Here is how the undercard played out:

HDNet Televised Prelims

Marc Stevens vs. John Cholish – John Cholish by 2^nd round Submission (Knee Bar)

The final undercard bout saw TUF 12 fighter Marc Stevens making his Strikeforce debut against Renzo Gracie trained John Cholish. Stevens really didn’t look good in the fight and Cholish completely dominated the fight. Stevens didn’t get choked out like he did twice on the reality show but unfortunately he was still submitted via a slick knee bar.  

Igor Gracie vs. John Salgado – Igor Gracie by 2^nd round Submission (Side Choke)

The third generation Gracie, Igor Gracie made his Strikeforce debut and his first fight in over a year and out classed John Salgado on the ground. It didn’t take long for the fight to hit that canvas and once it did Gracie took over and finished the fight via submission in the second round.

Don Carlo-Clauss vs. Sam Oropeza – Sam Oropeza by 1^st round Submission (Verbal Tabout)

An action packed fight between these two, but Sam Oropera was just too much for the man with three names Don Carlo-Clauss. Oropeza who trains with Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez landed a glancing knee that brought the fight to the ground where he quickly finished with ground and pound.

Josh LaBerge vs. Anthony Leone – Josh LaBerge by 1^st round TKO (doctor stoppage)

This fight ended between rounds via doctor stoppage do to a busted up nose on the face of Anthony Leone. Josh Laberge landed a jumping knee from in the clinch before being taken down by Leone and the flood gates opened from the nose of Leone.

Untelevised Prelim
Jason McLean vs. Kevin Roddy – Jason Maclean by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)