Overeem Demolishes Rogers to retain STRIKEFORCE World Title
ST. LOUIS (May 16, 2010) – Alistair “The Demolition Man’’ Overeem lived up to his nickname and his billing as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world on Saturday as he easily retained his STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Championship with a 3:40, first-round knockout over Brett Rogers in the main event of an action-packed mixed martial arts card before 8,136 enthusiastic fans who turned out for “STRIKEFORCE St. Louis: Heavy Artillery” at Scottrade Center on SHOWTIME®.
In other televised results: Brazil’s Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (14-2), of Coconut Creek, Fla., registered the biggest victory of his career with a unanimous decision over Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (15-8) of Chicago in a matchup of former world champions; world-ranked Brazilian middleweight “Jacare” Souza (12-2), of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, scored an impressive three-round decision over hard-trying Joey Villasenor (27-7), of Albuquerque, N.M., unbeaten Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sensation Roger Gracie (3-0) of London, England, won his STRIKEFORCE and United States MMA debut with a 4:10, second-round submission (rear-naked choke) over ex- UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman (17-15), of Las Vegas; and Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (9-2) of Rio De Janiero, produced a 3:45, first-round knockout (strikes) over Antwain “The Juggernaut” Britt (11-4) of Virginia, Beach, Va.
For Overeem (33-11), of The Netherlands, it was a brilliant performance and it marked the eighth time in nine fights that he has won in the first round since becoming the first STRIKEFORCE heavyweight champion in history with a second-round knockout over Paul Buentello on Nov. 16, 2007.
In a dominant performance, Overeem overwhelmed the outclassed Rogers (10-2) on the feet and on the ground from the outset. “It’s been a while, but now I’m back and I’m still STRIKEFORCE champion,’’ Overeem said. “Rogers has my respect.’’
The loss was the second in a row for Rogers, of St. Paul, Minn. In his last outing on Nov. 7, 2009, he came perilously close to becoming the first fighter to legitimately defeat the famed Fedor Emelianenko before falling, but styles make fights and he never had a chance against the talented Overeem. Rogers, known for his two-fisted power, hardly got an opportunity to let his fists go.
Silva performed in an intelligent, controlled manner throughout as he outpointed Arlovski by the scores of 29-28 three times. Silva dictated the pace and had an answer for whatever Arlovski attempted to throw at him. Arlovski fought with a bloody cut around his nose from early in the match.
The defeat was the third in a row for Arlovski, who was knocked out by Rogers and Fedor in his two previous starts.
Souza was also an impressive winner on an evening full of stalwart performances. A submission wizard, Jacare couldn’t get close to making the always-tough Villasenor to tap, but he was in control throughout and won by the scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice.
The 6-feet-4 Gracie towered over Randleman, who stood his ground for one round, but was no match for the Brazilian when he turned it up a notch in the second. Gracie has now won all three of his MMA outings by submission.
A devastating striking with a fierce killer instinct, Feijao turned what had been an even, competitive fight around with a huge right hand that staggered Britt. He followed with a left hook and another right hand and the referee stopped it shortly thereafter.
By winning, Feijao, who has won all eight of his wins inside the distance, moved a step closer to challenging recently crowned STRIKEFORCE 205-pound champion “King Mo’’ Lawal. The victory was the second in the row for Feijao.
17 May 2010
Also in the news
- 27 May 2010
London International Freestyle Open
London International Freestyle Open 29th May 2010, Excel London. Pre-entry is now closed, but you can still enter on the day, find us at DOOR S9. It’s going to be a fabulous day of action packed freestyle Martial Arts competition. Read more
- 25 May 2010
Team England Open selections and Squad training Full Contact Kickboxing
We are please to announce that Matt Winsper and James Winsper have recently taken on the leadership for ISKA England's amateur Full Contact Kickboxing. Their main aim for this year is to develop, train and accompany a team for the ISKA World Championships in Alicante, Spain on 2nd-7th November. Read more
- 24 May 2010
Haselbeck takes McCafferty to a draw, Wolf outpoints Hira on ISKA Double World title event
22nd May Ingolstadt, Germany, Dominic Haselbeck made a second attempt to take the ISKA World Middleweight Kickboxing title from the Champion, Ireland’s Tommy McCaffery. He came close taking McCaffery to a Draw over 12rounds Read more
- More ISKA news
