Bal Harbour says no to dogs on the beach

Dogs are a hot topic in Bal Harbour; the council said no to allowing dogs on the beach.


BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald
Dogs are not welcome on the beach in Bal Harbour.

Councilwoman Patricia Cohen proposed that dogs be allowed on the service roadway, which is west of the dunes and east of the condominium properties.

But the village council denied the proposal on Tuesday, saying the beach should be preserved and free of dog waste. The council voted 4-1 against Cohen's proposal, with Cohen casting the lone affirmative vote.

``The beach is beautiful, pristine and the last thing we would want is for poop to be all over the beach,'' assistant mayor Joni D. Blachar said.

Dogs have been a hot topic in Bal Harbour. Last month, Cohen brought her dog in a carrier to a council meeting, which upset at least one resident. Signs are posted at Village Hall stating dogs aren't allowed in the building.

Regarding her proposal for dogs on the beach, Cohen said walking the dogs on the beach is healthy for animals.

``People are asking me for it; it's not just me,'' Cohen said in a phone interview. ``These dogs need exercise. We have no green space.''

The issue attracted a large crowd of dog lovers to village chambers.

``Dogs are becoming a very big part of people's lives and they are common in the community,'' pet owner Kristopher Taplin told the council.

Small pooches are allowed in the outdoor portions of some restaurants at the Bal Harbour Shops, grass fields in the residential area and on Collins Avenue. The village is designated as a bird sanctuary, so dogs must be leashed, said Jay Smith, community outreach director. Cats must wear bells.

A staffer in Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman's office said the county's recreational and cultural affairs committee recently approved a recommendation made by the Safe Neighborhood Parks' citizen oversight committee to spend $65,000 to fund a dog park at Haulover. The county commission will take up the matter in March.

Nicolas Stein was in favor of allowing dogs on the beach, saying he would feel safer when walking his dogs.

``I don't want my dogs on the building yards because there is a small little piece of grass,'' he said. ``Buses and cars are passing by; I don't feel safe.''

But Marjorie Shell said allowing dogs on the beach would be unattractive.

``I don't think anybody wants to walk and put their foot into something that is unpleasant,'' she said.

Cohen said she will continue to push the issue.

• Also at the meeting, the council directed village attorney Richard J. Weiss to draft an anti-tethering resolution, which would be presented at a future meeting. The measure would ban dogs from being tied to any object for a long period of time.

Walk in Bayfront Park Saturday benefits Humane Society of Greater Miami

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Animal lovers will be showcasing their four-legged friends Saturday at the 10th annual Purina Walk for the Animals to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

But the pooches will be out for more than a walk as the event helps raise funds for the organization. More than 3,500 people and their furry friends are expected to walk at downtown Miami's Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. The event starts at 8:30 a.m., with the actual one-mile stroll around the park, with or without a dog, beginning at 10 a.m.

Humane Society spokeswoman Laurie Hoffman said the only walk-a-thon for dogs and pet owners is significant.

``It is a fundraising tool for the organization,'' Hoffman wrote in an e-mail.

With a full $50 registration fee, dog lovers will get an official event T-shirt, a doggie bandanna and a goodie bag with fun items for both the owner and the pet.

``If anyone cannot pay the full $50, we absolutely encourage them to participate but donate something -- anything they can -- every dollar helps,'' Hoffman wrote.

Last year's walk raised $170,000. The organization hopes to raise $175,000 this time.

Hoffman added that the walk and other Humane Society events help ``support the program and services for more than 250 animals on a daily basis.''

At the event, pet lovers will enjoy Purina's Incredible Dog Team, bounce houses, an inflatable basketball court and games for both humans and animals. Music will be provided by 101.5 FM, while breakfast food and a bakery tent filled with homemade treats will help give dog owners energy for the walk.

At least four dogs will be available for adoption. There is a fee for adoption based on size and age.

This year, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss will be the Grand Marshall, and University of Miami President Donna Shalala will be the Leader of the Pack.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami promotes responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs.

Hoffman said the donations are helpful.

``We do not receive any money from the government nor any other animal welfare organization, and we depend on events,'' she said.

For more information, visit humanesocietymiami.org.

Bal Harbour resident riled up over councilwoman's Chihuahua

A Bal Harbour councilwoman brings her four-legged friend to a meeting -- and gets a resident in the audience irate.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald

Councilwoman Patricia Cohen brought her Chihuahua inside a dog carrier to a council meeting last month -- to the irritation of one person in the audience.

While seating on the dais, the dog was next to Cohen in a carrier throughout the meeting.

But no one was aware that the dog was there until Cohen got up to leave. That's when resident Anamarie Kelly took notice and addressed the council.

``My dog would be stopped if I tried to bring her to the meeting,'' Kelly said.

Village director of community outreach Jay Smith said if it wasn't for Kelly, no one would have known about the pooch.

``It was only after this outburst that anyone was aware that Councilwoman Cohen had the dog with her in the carrier,'' he said.

Bal Harbour has no law explicitly forbidding dogs from attending public meetings. But signs are posted at Village Hall stating pets aren't allowed in the building.

Service animals are permitted in Village Hall and all other village facilities.

Cohen, who was elected last year and works in landscaping, said she was driving from Homestead and didn't want to be tardy to the meeting.

``I didn't have time to drop off the dog at home,'' Cohen said in a phone interview. ``I didn't want to leave the dog inside the car because it was hot outside.''

Unlike residents and visitors who are greeted by guards and a metal detector in the hall leading to the chambers, council members usually enter the south side of the building ``for security purposes,'' Bal Harbour police chief Tom Hunker said.

Kelly said Cohen, who used the side entrance, was flouting village rules.

``Ms. Cohen had a dog under the nose of the village lawyer,'' said Kelly, a sometimes colorful presence at council meetings who once wore duct tape across her mouth inside village hall chambers.

Kelly said she plans on bringing her mixed-breed pooch, Molly, to Tuesday's meeting.

``My dog is coming to the next village meeting and she will have a lawyer,'' wrote Kelly in an e-mail directed to village officials and several news sources, including CNN.

Hunker said those who bring a dog inside the building will be asked to remove the dog or face a trespass warning -- or even arrest.

Said Smith, the community outreach director: ``Councilwoman Cohen was notified and she will not be bringing the dog again.''

Annual Greek Festival next weekend

Saint Sophia Cathedral will host its 32nd annual Greek Festival next weekend.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
South Floridians will lace up their dancing shoes to learn foreign traditional folk dances at Saint Sophia Cathedral's 32nd annual Greek Festival.

The church, at 2401 SW 3rd Ave., will be hosting the three-day affair that runs from Feb. 19-21. The event opens Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults ($3 with coupon) and free to children 12 and under. Admission will go to the church.

In a first for festival-goers, young Greek dancers will be offering lessons to those who wish to learn traditional dances like the Zorba. The performers, who range from 5 to 18 years old, will also celebrate their heritage with several shows throughout the day. Greek musicians will entertain the crowd.

Chairman of St. Sophia Parish Council, Nick Kallergis, says the event is more than fun.

``It started off as a combination of a fundraiser and a celebration of our heritage and religion,'' Kallergis said.

``It's more definitive of our spirit.''

Several traditional Greek delicacies will be available such as mousaka (eggplant), gyros and the famed Greek salads. Pastries from the European country will also be sold such as baklava and honey-dipped loukoumades.

A variety of booths offering arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, religious art and devotional items and books will be on hand.

Kallergis says revelers don't have to travel to Europe to have a taste of the historic country.

``It will feel like a small market in a Greek village, where people are selling,'' he said. ``It's all happening in the same place.''

Kallergis said the event attracts thousands including locals and visitors of all nationalities. Guided tours of the Byzantine cathedral will be offered each day, and there will be a children's area with activities.

Cooking demonstrations by the women of St. Sophia's Greek community and Greek restaurants as Mykonos, Taverna Opa and The University Restaurant and Patio will be showcased.

Drinkers will also have a wide range of selection of Greek specialty wines and beer.

``We have aficionados, who come just to taste the Greek beer,'' he said.

For more information: www.stsophiamiami.com/Festival.dsp

Habitat for Humanity hold Blitz Build

LEISURE CITY

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
Fritz Etienne found it hard to save enough money to achieve his dream of owning a home.

Then the Kentucky Fried Chicken manager applied to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, a nonprofit Christian ministry that builds affordable homes.

He was turned down.

But the Haitian-born Etienne didn't give up.

Two years later, his persistence paid off.

On Saturday, the Georgia-based nonprofit planned to turn over the keys to his new home in Leisure City during a ceremony that celebrated Habitat's Blitz Building that allowed his and 14 other houses to be built.

Last week, with paint brush in hand, Etienne was joined by hundreds of volunteers who helped paint and install walls at his dream home in his new neighborhood at Southwest 153rd Avenue and 287th Street.

``I kept telling my wife, `We were going to have a house,' '' said Etienne, who has lived in an apartment in Florida City with his wife and three daughters. ``Everyone asked me at work what had happened and I told them I had good news.''

In January, he was selected to be part of the Habitat program that relies on volunteers and new owners' ``sweat equity'' to build homes. The Etienne house is in the newly constructed Shrader's Haven named after land donors Clive and Janet Shrader.

The Blitz Build is an accelerated construction program that builds 10 homes in two weeks and attracts more than 2,500 volunteers. About 20 volunteers work on a single home at a time installing doors, windows, shelves, insulation, dry wall, painting and even laying out shingles on the roof.

The recent blitz in South Florida attracted so many volunteers that Habitat was able to build five more than the usual 10.

Florida International University student Lourdes Pena was one of the volunteers who turned out. She climbed on a roof to shingle.

``Getting up there is scary, but once you are up there you get in the zone,'' Pena said Pena. ``I just hope the people living in the house don't get any leaks thanks to me.''

Before volunteers come on board, hired construction workers place the house shell on the foundation that will hold a 1,000-square-foot three-bedroom one-bath home. Sub contractors are also hired to help install electrical wiring, air conditioning, and plumbing. Throughout the day, Habitat staff oversees the construction.

Habitat for Humanity Communications Director Michelle Marcos says seeing all the volunteers is inspiring.

``These people want to help and want to share love with a person who is low income,'' she said. ``They come with the expression of `I want to help someone I don't know.' ''

Habitat for Humanity Greater Miami builds about 70 homes a year in neighborhoods such as Homestead, Opa-locka and Liberty City.

To qualify, possible homeowners must have low or moderate incomes.

Once in their homes, families pay off a no-interest loan that has payments they can afford.

Volunteers from local colleges, churches and major companies came out to lend a hand during Miami-Dade's recent blitz.

The event caught the attention of pro football players such as Dolphins' running back Ricky Williams and wide receiver Greg Camarillo. They traded pigskin for hammers and hard hats.

Snowbirds also helped out. Ron Mable, 74, who lives in Pennsylvania and has been volunteering at Habitat project for almost 15 years, said the work is gratifying.

``We get `paid' when we turn over the house to the people who are going to live in it,'' Mable said.

``When you have a lot of hands helping this goes very smoothly and quickly,'' added Habitat's Marcos.

The Leisure City project even got help from Tiandria Richardson who will soon move into her Habitat home in Liberty City.

``It's a sacrifice, but I am able to build relationships and meet new people at the same time,'' said Richardson, who worked more than 15 hours during the blitz. ``I am surrounded by true leaders.''

As for Etienne, he couldn't wait to be handed his house keys.

``I am so surprised and happy that I am going to have a house,'' he said.

In a month, he added, his family will be able to move in.

Then home sweet home will truly have new meaning for his family.

Lombard Wins, Masvidal Defeated at G-Force ‘Bad Blood’

MIAMI -- Unlike his recent victories, which have come by submission or TKO, Bellator Fighting Championships middleweight titleholder Hector Lombard defeated Joey Gorczynski by unanimous decision in a lackluster performance at G-Force Fights “Bad Blood 3” at the American Airlines Arena.

Lombard chased after Gorczynski throughout the first round as he sought to knock out the Oklahoma-based fighter early. But Lombard, who fed off “Hector” chants, was met with competition as his opponent wasn’t scared to land kicks on the champion himself. The American Top Team member did land some vicious body blows, but did little damage.

In the second round, Gorczynski opened up by connecting with a knee and right hook, but achieved minimal damage on Lombard, who last tasted defeat in November 2006 against Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi. Later, Lombard was warned for landing strikes to the back of his opponent’s head.

The final chapter of the bout surprised Lombard and the crowd. Gorczynski rocked Lombard with a kick-right hook combo that brought the Cuban judo national champion to the ground. However, the champ recovered and got control by landing elbows and punches to his opponent’s ribs.

All three judges sided with Lombard for his twelfth victory in a row. However, the crowd booed the 32-year-old Cuban-born judoka’s performance several times during the match.

In a shocking result, Bellator veteran Jorge Masvidal lost to Luis Palomino by split decision in the evening’s co-main event.

Masvidal, who had rebounded from his ballyhooed submission loss to Toby Imada with back-to-back victories, was met by the aggressor Palomino. The colorful Palomino started the fight by taking several kicks to the patient Masvidal. Towards the end of the round, Masvidal landed a right knee that left Palomino shaky. Both fighters gave each other a hard look as they walked to their corners.

In the second round, Masvidal connected with a jab, while Palomino countered with a left hook. While in the clinch, Masvidal landed a couple of knees and a jab, which didn’t affect his opponent. Palomino answered back by taking more kicks.

Palomino looked to win the fight by opening the third round with several kicks that hit Masvidal. However, after a lack of action, the referee broke both fighters in the clinch. With 20 seconds left on the clock, Masvidal went for a single-leg takedown and worked from half guard, where he landed strikes. The blows weren’t enough to defeat his opponent and win the judges’ decision.

An irate Masvidal said he felt like he won the battle.

“I didn’t know low kicks and running won the fight,” said Masvidal in a post-fight interview. “Look at my face; I am just as pretty as when I went in.”

The card also included WEC veteran Jonathan Brookins, who came out on top against Yosdenis Cedeno by unanimous decision.

The third round opened in a slugfest, but later slowed down as both fighters danced around the cage waiting for the right moment to strike. Cedeno connected with several kicks, but barely had an impact on Brookins. With less than a minute on the clock, the fight was fought on the ground with little action taken by both men, which upset the crowd.

Finally, Rene “Level” Martinez (3-0), backyard brawler turned professional fighter, remains undefeated after picking up a unanimous decision victory over Christian Pacheco.

In other bouts:
Felix Lopez def. Manny Reyes Jr. -- Unanimous Decision
Alex Caceres def. Jahmal McLennan -- TKO (Punches) 2:48 R3
Chris Silva def. David Brown -- Unanimous Decision
Mario Vargas def. Andres Rybacki -- Split Decision
Danny Chaves def. Nelson Lopez -- Unanimous Decision

El Portal councilwoman upset by new rule

A new rule means council members' discretionary funds can only be used within El Portal -- to the chagrin of one member who wants to use her funds for international aid.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
El Portal's village council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting council members from using discretionary funds outside village limits -- including sending aid to international relief efforts.

Councilwoman Daisy Black, the sole no vote on the dais, said she felt the new rule was a ``personal attack'' which came after she requested to use her funds to pay for school supplies for Jamaican children last year.

``I'd rather use my money for humanitarian things, not parties and picnics,'' Black said at the the Jan. 25 meeting.

The ordinance means council members can only spend discretionary funds on village-related activities such as El Portal events and special projects.

While the commission's vote comes on the heels of the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti in January, the new rule was proposed in November by Mayor Joyce Davis.

Council members are given $1,000 annually in discretionary funds.

The council members also get a $2,000 ``council fee'' each year, which is not affected by the ordinance.

The discretionary funds available to each council member are ``for the betterment and benefit of the residents of El Portal,'' Davis said.

In October, Black asked to use $790 in discretionary funds to purchase book bags for poor school children in Jamaica. The request was denied.

Black said council members should be allowed to decide how the money is spent.

``This ordinance ties the hands of El Portal village council members who have in the past helped Haiti and Jamaica after disasters that wrecked their countries,'' she said.

The ordinance does not preclude El Portal from participating in relief efforts, however.

``It doesn't mean you can't come up to the council and make a request,'' Davis said in a phone interview.

``We can vote on it and get what you ask for if we can afford it.''

El Portal recently joined with many other Miami-Dade municipalities in contributing money to Haiti.

At the same meeting, the council approved $2,500 from the village's general fund for Haitian relief efforts.

El Portal has also been collecting monetary donations and supplies. So far, the village has raised roughly $600.

Later in the meeting, Davis, wearing a bandana with the Haitian colors around her neck, said El Portal will also wrap blue ribbons on village trees to honor earthquake victims.

Homestead rodeo brings nonstop thrills

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
Riding on a chocolate Palomino, Kimberly Boyette came to a halt after a challenging barrel race.

``He could have done a lot better, but at first he didn't want to go inside the pen,'' said Boyette. ``But, he did OK.''

In fact, just being in the 61st annual Homestead Championship Rodeo at Harris Field was a thrill for her and her horse.

On Sunday, Boyette joined cowboys, cowgirls, bull riders and bull fighters who competed and excited thousands at the rodeo. She competed in barrel racing that consists of a horse and rider attempting to complete a clover-leaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. The Punta Gorda resident found the course at the DeMilly Rodeo Arena hard.

``The pattern is set so back far from the arena,'' said Boyette, who performs almost every weekend across the state.

``Your horse has to have a lot of wind because you have to go a long way to the finish line.''

The three-day rodeo brought a crowd of more than 10,000 visitors who came from as far away as Europe. It is sponsored by the Homestead Rodeo Association.

The rodeo was a first for Julia Muyu who was visiting South Florida from Italy.

``I love the atmosphere,'' she said. ``It feels very American.''

Spectators cheered and stomped their feet on the aluminum bleachers, when bull riders performed. The announcer hyped the crowd as he presented the riders and bulls -- that were nicknamed the likes of ``Blood Sucker.''

For those who didn't want to attempt to ride the real thing, a mechanical bull was also available. Rodeo fans also indulged on everything from cold lemonade to barbecue. Most food was sold by nonprofits and community organizations such as the Boy Scouts who sold popcorn.

The weekend affair started Friday with a rodeo parade in downtown Homestead Saturday that featured marching bands, tractors, four-wheelers and floats.

Each rodeo show included seven major events and lasted more than two hours. But the event is more than a show as performers compete for a grand prize.

Enthusiastic fans also watched athletes compete in bare-back and saddle bronco riding.

The crowd also enjoyed tie-down roping, where cowboys roped calves and steer wrestling competition in which a cowboy caught up to a steer, grabbed him by the horns and wrestled him down.

More than 60 bull riders from all parts of the world participated in the most anticipated contest of the weekend: bull riding. Cowboys have to hang on for at least eight seconds.

The sport got the attention of Guillermo Quero of Homestead.

``The show is great and I've enjoyed the horses and cowboys,'' he said.

``My favorite is the bull riding because it is pretty tough.''

However, the show is more than entertainment, said former Homestead Rodeo Association president Nick Coffin.

``It's a community affair,'' he said.

``Most of the profits go toward nonprofit organizations like the Boy Scouts.''

Coffin added that the annual event has become a city trademark. ``It's one of the premiere and biggest events in Homestead,'' said Coffin, who was raised in the city.

Wearing a cowboy hat, boots and jeans, Davie resident Byron Mcintosh has been attending the rodeo since 1988.

``The facility is always improving,'' said Mcintosh, a bull fighter. ``The committee is really good here and you notice that every time you come here.''

Homestead girl goes back to school at 18, started college

AFTER DROPPING OUT OF CROWDED NORTH MIAMI HIGH, JASMINE NAILS RETURNED TO STUDY AT THE HOMESTEAD JOB CORPS CENTER. NOW SHE IS GOING TO COLLEGE


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
On a bus ride home from work, Jasmine Nails, a high school dropout, received a tip that turned her life around.

A former classmate and friend recommended that she go back to school, only this time at a Job Corps Center. Nails was ready to go.

``I felt like I got off track,'' said Nails, who dropped out of high school at 16. ``I wanted to go back.''

Two weeks later, Nails, 18, quit her office clerk job to enroll in the Homestead Job Corps Center in 2008.

Now she is going to college.

Indeed, she celebrated success 10 days ago, earning a high school diploma along with 180 others who turned their tassels at a commencement ceremony on the Center's campus.

Nails couldn't walk across the stage -- she had already started classes at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

``I wanted to fulfill my goal,'' she said. ``I wanted to accomplish it.''

And she did.

Her friend, Jasmine Johnson, was enrolled in the program and urged Nails to go, too.

``We like the same type of stuff,'' Johnson said in a phone interview. ``We were just talking about what to do with our lives and we wanted to do something with ourselves.''

Nails said she felt it was the right time to turn her life around when she enrolled at the Homestead Job Corps Center.

``I didn't want to go through Job Corps like I did in high school,'' she said. ``I didn't want to be the same person. I wanted to be more than a number.''

Director of Homestead Job Corps Center Anthony Taylor said Nails is special.

``Jasmine is an example of someone who overcame the odds against her by hard work, perseverance and an always optimistic personality,'' he said. ``She is truly a role model for all of us.''

Born in Gainesville but raised in Lake City, Nails moved to North Miami in 2005 with her mother. She attended both Booker T. Washington and North Miami High Schools between 2006 and 2008. But Nails said she didn't react well to crowded institutions.

``I didn't feel comfortable in school anymore,'' she said. ``Being around a bunch of people and dealing with different attitudes was just too much for me so I stopped going.''

In 2007, as a tenth grader at North Miami High, she dropped out.

Soon after, she began work at a local pharmacy and a relationship consulting office. However, her desire to finish school never faded. Nails studied on her own time by going to the library. She also joined two nonprofit groups where she learned about the judicial and prison system, financing and history.

Getting her diploma and trade certification didn't come easy once she began the Job Corps in Homestead. She had to transfer from buses and Metrorail before she arrived in Homestead from North Miami. Sometimes she had to cajole her mom into car rides to Homestead. But the sacrifices were worth the learning experience, she said.

``Even the students taught me new things every day whether they knew it or not,'' said Nails who also writes poetry.

Nails participated in internships at three different pharmacies and studied Pharmacy Technology. She also was elected as president for the Student Government Association.

Community service and sports were also in her schedule. She traveled in and out of state to represent her school in softball and volleyball.

She also was generous to others, said Lesley Diaz, business and community liaison at Homestead Job Corps Center.

``I have no doubt that Jasmine will continue to give back as she goes forth in her effort to make a better life for herself and those around her,'' Diaz said.

As for her future, Nails is passionate about the medical field -- but fears needles.

So she picked pharmaceutical studies, which she finds challenging.

``I want to be a person to take the anger off people,'' she said. ``Not only am I giving out prescriptions, but I'll be helping them live longer.''

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).”