A Big Day for AKA at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov
There is something in the water at American Kickboxing Academy. The San Jose based training facility is showing more and more every time their fighters enter into the cage why they are among the elite schools in the country for professional and amateur fighters wanting to make a name for themselves in the sport today. Four fighters delivered solid performances and increased their individual stocks in major ways at Saturdays Strikeforce event in Cincinnati and were all grateful for their team and trainers at AKA.
Mike Kyle went into his bout with the undefeated Marcos Rogerio de Lima and stuck to his game plan. Landing numerous head and body shots, mixed in with takedowns and ground control, it all helped him ride his way to a unanimous decision victory. Keeping the pace at his dictation, the fight was always moving and he was humble in success, crediting his opponent as someone to watch in the future and admitted his legs were banged up from the multiple kicks he took during three rounds. A move into the UFC light heavyweight division at an Ultimate Fight Night might be best for Kyle or maybe a fight with Rafael Cavalcante.
Luck Rockhold
Luke Rockhold was out of action for over a year and a half, went to a decision victory for the first time in his career last night and in doing so, was able to capture the Strikeforce middleweight championship from Jacare Souza. Looking to start off slow and having a little ring rust, Rockhold was able to find his rhythm and range against the Brazilian and secured the win after five rounds. Even though the former champion looked to put things in auto pilot, the victory cannot be short-changed to the Santa Cruz, Ca native, who went in with victory in his sights and left with gold around his waist. A fight with Tim Kennedy who is next in line at the Strikeforce middleweight division will likely be the next fight for the champ.
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal returned to action after losing his light heavyweight title 13 months ago to Rafael Cavalcante. The wrestler looked impressive against Roger Gracie, knocking out the BJJ superstar late in the first round. Their fight never went to the ground until Lawal dropped Gracie in the final minute of the opening round with a right hand to the temple. The striking of Lawal looked much improved and he showed no ill-effects for the long layoff. A rematch with the man who took his belt and handed him his only career defeat is in order for King Mo.
Most impressively, another heavyweight from Bob Cook’s school has shown the world that thinking him of a wrestler solely, will end up on their back looking at the house lights if he hits his mark. Daniel Cormier went into this tournament and his match against Antonio Silva an underdog and kept positive, knowing he was capable of winning. Finishing the BJJ black belt in the first round, he has cemented his position not only in Strikeforce but in MMA as well. His path is bright and Josh Barnett may be his first victim in a path towards the UFC heavyweight belt.
Aside from the four victorious men last night, AKA is home to the world’s top welterweights in Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson and the current UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez. Every fighter will let you know that they are who they are because of the trainers and the training partners they have in their school; as cliché as this is in some academies, the phrase is the honest truth for this MMA gym and any fighter looking to better themselves would be wise to invest in them.
Powered by Max Banner Ads
Category: Exclusive, MMA, Strikeforce
About the Author (Author Profile)
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
