Post-fight Notebook from Strikeforce

Sunday, January 31, 2010
by Rodolfo Roman (roman@sherdog.com)

SUNRISE, Fla. --- Though Wes Sims taunted newcomer Bobby Lashley with some pro wrestling-style showmanship to start their heavyweight bout at Strikeforce “Miami” on Saturday, Lashley said the showboating wasn’t enough to distract him.

“I can’t get mad at this stage in the game,” Lashley said after the event. “I tried it once and I didn’t want to go out there.”

He said the taunting makes the fight exciting.

“They are going to come at me with the pro wrestling stuff which is pretty cool because at least they are watching,” said Lashley, who was a WWE champion and now wrestles for TNA wrestling.

The American Top Team affiliate member said he intends on fighting someone who is not classified as a “middle guy.”

“I hate critics that think I am not good enough to fight,” said Lashley. “If you are going to put me up against the champ than put me up against the champ.”

The undefeated MMA fighter said he will review video of his fight, but plans on working on his standup, since he is confident with his 18 years of wrestling experience.

“When I am sparring, I feel great about my standup but when I get inside the cage, I don’t know for some reason I don’t perform it that well,” he said. “I want to do a lot of standup sparring.”

“Cyborg” Sees Room for Improvement

Fresh of her victory against Marloes Coenen, Strikeforce's women’s 145-pound champion, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos said her opponent brought competition, but her training prepared her for victory.

“I was prepared for all rounds,” said Santos with a smile. “I believed in my training.”

Santos held on to her belt by defeating her Dutch opponent by strikes at 3:40 in the third round. And despite being the top women fighter in the MMA world, she says there is always room for improvement.

“I’d like to work on my muay Thai,” she said.

Mousasi Meets St. Pierre

On the heels of a 15-fight winning streak, Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi is looking forward to training with another MMA great: UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.

Mousasi said both champions met cageside at the event and will train together Sunday in Florida for the first time.

“I got an invitation (to his camp) and I am happy about that,” said Mousasi during the conference. “I am curious about his training. There are a lot of things I want to change in my training. I look forward to learn how GSP trains in his wrestling.”

Although not confirmed, Mousasi said it’s more than likely that he will fight Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal at an upcoming Strikeforce event.

“I want to test myself,” he said. “King Mo would be a great fight.”

Hughes Preps for Gracie

Saturday’s event brought out several well-known MMA fighters including former Pride champion and former UFC contender Dan Henderson, who recently signed up with the California-based Company, as well as former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes.

Hughes came out in support of friend and training partner, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, who did a great imitation of his former foe Scott Smith with a comeback victory over Melvin Manhoef 3:33 into the first round.

Hughes says he is preparing for his upcoming bout against Renzo Gracie and believes his opponent will be seen as the home favorite when the UFC will make its first visit to Abu Dhabi on April 10 for UFC 112.

“I am training and doing some cardio,” he said. “I am also watching a lot of video on him.”

Aside from focusing on his next foe, he says a rematch with St. Pierre would be great.

“I would love another fight with GSP,” he said. “I was disappointed with my last fight with GSP. But, I have another formidable opponent (in Gracie).”