Showdown on MMA: Strikeforce’s latest

Rockhold vs. Jardine has come and gone, with a variety of highlights and lowlights to satisfy the early 2012 MMA appetite for fans.

Rockhold shines yet again

Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold’s ascension in the 185 lbs weight class continued yet again with a strong performance vs. Keith Jardine. Rockhold’s resume is littered with first round finishes, yet the only one that did not end within five minutes was when he won the title. His five-round scrap with then-champion Ronaldo Jacare Souza, for yours truly, was his shining moment.

His performance vs. “The Dean of Mean” solidified his maturity as a fighter. Defeating an underrated veteran the way he did proved he can outwit one of the wittiest in the game.

I’d like to see him face Tim Kennedy next, but it appears the “Green Beret” is UFC bound, so perhaps, a rematch with Jacare is next. Either way, make sure you circle your calendar the next time he fights. This guy is worth your time.

King Mo’s Mental Fortitude

One can easily make the argument that on paper, Muhammed (King Mo) Lawal’s TKO victory vs. Lorenz (The Monsoon) Larkin should have happened, but the fight could have easily went the other way. If not for King Mo’s focus and refusal to cave in to the frustration that was standup in the first round, he could have easily been knocked out.

Sitting and just watching the fight, I could only imagine what was going through his mind:

First, “why?”

Second, “what else do I need to do?”

He was working his ground and pound in sound fashion, dominating and causing damage. It was not as if he was just riding position to secure dominance. No, he was pounding away. To be stood up, can seriously mess with a fighter’s mind, and can turn the tide of momentum in the blink of an eye.

No referee should ever be allowed to do that in a fight, so while I respect Kim Winslow as an official, I’m hoping the Nevada State Athletic Commission will pull her aside, have her review and explain the decision.

Officiating and Judging continues to baffle

Keyboard officiating and judging is one of the easiest hobbies on the planet. Doing it for real is another story altogether. But some of the late stoppages and decisions rendered last night were unfortunate. Jardine took far too much damage, as did Larkin. Jordan Mein being given two rounds over Tyron Woodley was puzzling, the same for Tyler Stinson over Tarec Saffiedine.

Thankfully justice was served, as Woodley and Saffiedine did earn their rightful victories, but it was too close for comfort. Both of their opponents did earn a round-a-piece, and maybe in the Mein fight, you can make the case for Jordan scoring the second, but I respectfully disagree.

Mein’s takedown defence, as good as it is, was his downfall vs. Woodley. I predicted he would win the bout, with the caveat being takedown defence. Woodley proved his control game is excellent, and I can virtually guarantee that Mein will come back stronger than ever.

His striking is precise enough that he can destroy many welterweights in the stand up realm, and all he has to truly do is keep the fight standing. Yes, work on his submission game is an obvious must, but takedown defence, and getting the fight back to his feet should be his priority. I really believe he can send shockwaves to the division in 2012. And a scrap vs. Stinson would be great matchup next.

Full Results for Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine

Main card

Middleweight Championship bout: Luke Rockhold (c) def Keith Jardine via TKO at 4:26 of Rd 1

Light Heavyweight bout: Muhammed Lawal def Lorenz Larkin via KO at 1:32 of Rd 2

Middleweight bout: Robbie Lawler def Adlan Amagov via TKO at 1:48 of Rd 1

Welterweight bout: Tyron Woodley def Jordan Mein via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Welterweight bout: Tarec Saffiedine def Tyler Stinson via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Preliminary card

Welterweight bout: Nah-Shon Burrell def James Terry via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Light Heavyweight bout: Gian Villante def Trevor Smith via TKO at 1:05 of Rd 1

Lightweight bout: Ricky Legere def Chris Spang via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Catchweight bout (160-lbs): Estevan ayan def Alonzo Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)