Strikeforce on NBC 2/15/09 Re-Cap

Strikeforce on NBC 2/15/09

Tonight’s fights are from the Strikeforce “Destruction” show that was taped on November 21st.

Middleweight Fight- Tony Johnson (4-0) vs. Eric Lawson (7-2)

R1- Lawson got a good punch and take down about a minute into the round. Johnson made his way back to his feet but Lawson caught him in a Rear Naked Choke and took him down and submitted him.

Winner: Eric Lawson by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R1 1:28

Middleweight Fight- Josh Neal (3-6) vs. Kurt Osiander (3-1)

Osiander is 43 years old, Neal is 24. Neal has fought and lost to Eric Lawson (who was in the first fight of tonight’s show).

R1- Both guys just started swinging after a couple of minutes and Osiander got the better of it and landed two left hands, a right hand and then got a ref stoppage due to Ground and Pound.

Winner: Kurt Osiander by TKO (punches) R1 2:16

Strike Force Light Heavyweight Title Fight- Bobby Southworth © (9-5-1) vs. Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7)

Southworth's strategy in every fight I've ever seen him in is to simply grab his opponent and lean on them for 5 rounds. Babalu has won 13 of his last 15 fights.

R1- Southworth gets a quick take down and lays on Babalu. Babalu gets up and they clinch against the cage. Three and a half minutes gone in the fight and little to no action so far. Babalu hits an elbow and Southworth's nose is busted open. McCarthy pauses the fight to take a look at the cut. The announcers are surprised that the fight is continuing. Southworth pushes Babalu to the ground and jumps on top as the bell rings to end the round. I think you have to give this round to Babalu due to damage inflicted on Southworth.

During the intermission they stop the fight due to the cut (it was actually over his eye) and give Babalu the TKO victory.

Winner and new champion: Babalu Sobral TKO (cut) R1 5:00