Robbie Lawler vs Trevor Prangley completes Strikeforce 'Evolution' fight card for Dec. 19
by Jesse Holland on Dec 9, 2009 11:19 AM EST
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While all the Strikeforce talk over the past few days has surrounded the signing of Dan Henderson, another couple of ex-UFC stars are set to do battle on Dec. 19 as Robbie Lawler (16-5) will officially take on Travor Prangley (22-5) at the upcoming "Evolution" event in San Jose, California.
The middleweight clash finalizes the Dec. 19 line up.
Lawler is coming off a "Ruthless" submission loss to current promotion champ Jake Shields. Despite entering the June 6 bout on a five-fight win streak, the power-puncher gift-wrapped his head for a textbook guillotine, tapping out to the submission specialist at just 2:02 in the first round.
Like the Shields fight, there will be very little margin for error against the well-traveled Prangley.
After getting the boot from Canada's Maximum Fighting Championship for double-dipping in smaller promotions, the South African ran roughshod over Dennis Reed at Arena Rumble and Marcus Sursa at Shark Fights 7 -- both within the span of the last three months.
In fact, Prangley has competed four times in 2009, winning each of his bouts convincingly. With momentum on his side, a Lawler win could immediately vault him into the suddenly-crowded title chase.
Strikeforce "Evolution" will feature lightweight champion Josh Thomson (16-2, 1 NC) returning to action to battle the promotion's interim 155-pound kingpin, Gilbert Melendez (16-2). Former middleweight champion Cung Le is also coming back to trade fists with the always-entertaining Scott Smith.
To check out the complete fight card for "Evolution" click here.
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For sure main card PPV worthy
I’m not a fan of Lawler any more, but I respect his hands. SF is doing everything right. (Don’t tell Intro. I said that). Cross-promotion is really working for these guys. If Dana doesn’t quit the UFC soon they will never come back from the lashing SF is putting on them.
Glad to be free from Intro's tyranny.
Indeed it will
I have been a fan of Prangley for a while and have said on many occasions that he should have been back in the UFC. He would give anybody in his weight class a hard time and it he definately won his Jeremy Horn match. I do get the impression that the UFC sees him as one of those fighters who has the potential to make their popular big earners look bad, without the ability to pull in the big bucks himself, and that is probably why they have left him alone. He is a very strong dangerous fighter. Should be a good one.
by Ade on Dec 9, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Another good pick up for SF though.
I like watching Kang fight. I’m sure others feel the same way.
Glad to be free from Intro's tyranny.
kang
Really? They cut Kang? Well I’m sure SF will be all over that asap. He can definitely still be used. He’s very streaky, but far from boring.
Love Lawler. Hope he gets a chance to impress with his fists. Great card guys.
by daniel worby on Dec 9, 2009 11:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I thought that would end up happening, it’s a shame because Kang had Bisping beat but once again folded when the fight got tough. He’s still a fun fighter to watch and would be another good addition for SF’s growing MW division but he’s going to have to get his head sorted if he plans on ever winning a major title.
"I’ll continue to watch their events and I hope they’ll (Zuffa) tune in to my fights in Strikeforce. After all, I’m a true fan of our fantastic sport and would love only to see MMA continue to grow."
Dan Henderson, classy.
"The reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal... I wanted him to s**t or get off the pot."
Dana White, classless.
Some people are quick to jump on the SF bandwagon…if the UFC put this card on people wud be bitchin and moaning!!!!
And???
This company is starting to pick up steam, these are things to be happy about. Instead of EXC or Affliction (whom were both run poorly) it is nice to see a company doing it right for a change. This is good news for MMA fans, more free events, no matter who is fighting free is always good.
Glad to be free from Intro's tyranny.
I think that it helps that the cards are free, so the fans watching at home don’t have to put money down (except on the Showtime subscription fee) to watch Strikeforce events. Also, they have good momentum going for them especially with the signing of Dan Henderson. Add in that Strikeforce Challengers is producing prospects like Luke Rockhold, Tim Kennedy, Shane Del Rosario, and Tyron Woodley, and there really is a lot to look forward to with Strikeforce. Honestly, the main thing that makes most MMA fans weary of Strikeforce is the stuff that Dana White has to say about Strikeforce, and people buying into the stuff that Dana says.
Agreed
It seems like the new thing to do is bash the UFC. It is understandable, but the UFC has been plagued by injuries. Without those we would be seeing some great cards and IMO 107 is one of the better cards this year.
I love what SF is doing, this card is good but with thier roster could be better.
by BNF on Dec 9, 2009 12:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Their roster has improved in leaps and bounds
They have more to do, but they are doing that. Also the thing I like the best about them is Scott Coker. He doesn’t think he’s a rock star. Dana White is one of the only things I don’t like about UFC. The other thing is NO BIG JOHN. I want Big John back reffing fights. Everything wrong with the UFC boils down to Dana.
Glad to be free from Intro's tyranny.
I wouldn't
This is a great card, all of the fights will be fun to watch and have recognisable as well as legitimate fighters. The LW title main event should be a cracker. It’s superior to any UFC card that’s been on free TV. SF are doing very well for themselves, they’re slowly building up a formidable roster, bringing in top fighters from other promotions and putting on stacked cards on major networks whilst Coker has remained respectful and professional throughout. Lately, they have been the better promotion than the UFC.
"I’ll continue to watch their events and I hope they’ll (Zuffa) tune in to my fights in Strikeforce. After all, I’m a true fan of our fantastic sport and would love only to see MMA continue to grow."
Dan Henderson, classy.
"The reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal... I wanted him to s**t or get off the pot."
Dana White, classless.
It costs 16 bucks a month
A lot cheaper than PPV. But you are right, not free.
Glad to be free from Intro's tyranny.
It’s as free as ESPN, we always get stick over getting free UFC cards. Personally I count all non-PPV events as free, as I wouldn’t just order ESPN UK or Showtime for MMA, both channels have a lot of other quality programming and are much better value for money than monthly PPVs.
"I’ll continue to watch their events and I hope they’ll (Zuffa) tune in to my fights in Strikeforce. After all, I’m a true fan of our fantastic sport and would love only to see MMA continue to grow."
Dan Henderson, classy.
"The reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal... I wanted him to s**t or get off the pot."
Dana White, classless.
It is not as free as ESPN. That doesn’t even make sense. I order Showtime strictly for MMA. I don’t enjoy watching the same lame movie twice a day.
by BNF on Dec 9, 2009 2:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
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