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Strikeforce Challengers: 'Woodley vs Bears' recap and final thoughts

Sf-recap_medium

Strikeforce has now officially wrapped up the fifth edition of it's "Challenger Series" from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.

Undefeated wrestling stud from the University of Missouri Tyron "T-Wood" Woodley made his third start for the promotion and won his third straight for them as well, improving his professional record to 5-0 with 5 submissions, defeating a red hot Rudy Bears midway through the first round of the featured main event with an arm triangle choke.

I've said it before, "T-Wood" is pound-for-pound one of the most explosive fighters in the world. His world class athleticism, wrestling pedigree and strength are going to make him a handful for anyone at 170 pounds, and at 27 years old, he's only going to get better with each fight.

Woodley had no trouble handing Bears his first loss in seven fights, scoring takedowns at will, landing big shots in the stand up and once again finding the opening on the ground for the submission finish.

It won't be long before this guy is going to start showing up on some of the bigger cards for Strikeforce. He's a star in the making for sure.

Star-divide

Kerry Vera and Kim Couture put on a very entertaining fight in the co-main event. Vera - wife of UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera - proved to have the more technical and effective striking, knocking out Couture - wife of former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture - in the first round.

Couture once again proved her toughness though, staying aggressive and competitive despite absorbing a ton of punishment from Vera. After the fight Vera was asked who she'd like to fight next. She gave the usual, "whoever they want me to fight," response, but a suggestion of Canadian Sara Kaufman certainly sounded like an interesting idea from one of the announcers.

We'll see who Strikeforce chooses for her next opponent, but one thing is apparent, she looks to have a lot of talent and a style that's translates to exciting fights for the fans.

"Vicious" Bobby Voelker and Erik "Bad" Apple may have stole the show with their main card welterweight battle though. These two went at it right from the opening bell, and the result was a memorable back and forth barn burner of a fight.

They set a ridiculous pace right from the jump and the action never seemed to slow down. Both fighters were hurt at times, but it was Voelker who was able finally finish the fight, despite being dropped more than once, including inside the first minute of the fight.

Anderson Silva protege and former Elite XC standout Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante got back to his winning ways after suffering the first technical knockout loss of his career to Mike Kyle back in June. The Brazilian overcame a slow start and a game Aaron Rosa to score a second round technical knockout victory.

It wasn't the prettiest win of his career, but for "Feijao" a win has to be huge for his confidence coming off the loss. He should be a big player in the Strikeforce light heavyweight division moving forward.

That's a wrap from Kansas City.

Next up for Strikeforce, the promotion will return home to the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California for "Evolution" on Dec. 19. Featured on the Showtime televised card will be the return of the company's former 185 pound kingpin, Cung Le, who will be in action for the first time in over a year and a half when he takes on hard hitting brawler, Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith.

"King Mo" Lawal, "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, Mike Whitehead, "Jacare" Souza, Matt "The Law" Lindland and some of the promotion's other top stars are also expected to be in action for the blockbuster event.

Keep it locked to MMAmania.com for more on the developing fight card and all your Strikeforce news and notes.

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments  |  Add comment |

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“SugarFree” Couture is the best punching bag in the biz.

There a link to watch any of these fights? They arent online

by OM20 on Nov 21, 2009 4:01 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

decent fights

by zheka on Nov 21, 2009 4:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I smile everytime a couture gets KO'ed!

I missed the event but none of these results surprise me. T-woods is a Monster!

Vera is head n shoulders above Couture in skill. How did Vera beat her? Clean KO? cause that would make my dick hard! Cant stand Mrs. Ex-Captain Paycheck!

Happy to see Fejao get back to his winning ways, but from the sounds of the recap it wasnt impressive!

Cant wait to see Fejao vs. King Mo down the line!

I think Fejao might be ready to test himself against Sokoudjou!

by John G. on Nov 21, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

^^^^That Apple guy

showed horrible finishing skills. He should go back to doing Nick Nolte movies.

@fjbar75 on twitter...formerly El Mexicutioner

by _Felix_ on Nov 21, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Woodly seems pretty special. I would like to see him fight some better competition, maybe Riggs.

I’m sorry, but that chick fight was pathetic. I’m happy for Vera, but that was ugly.

by BNF on Nov 21, 2009 11:52 AM EST via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Good fights

Hey these were better fights than what ufc has come up with lately, we got to see some definative finishes, and some under the radar talent. And it didn’t cost me $45.

by Dball on Nov 21, 2009 4:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions   1 recs


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