Props: The Savage Dog Show

Quoteworthy:

"It’s not that big of a deal for me. I’m glad I just had an opportunity to fight on the same card as Fedor and some of these guys. To me that was a great honor. If I don’t make it into the tournament this year … it’s not a big deal. I would rather actually have another four fights this year if possible and just earn my own spot into the tournament next year. I’m at 11 fights. I’d like to get to at least 15, just get more ring time. All of my fights have been finished in the first round, which has been good. I like to get out and win right away and have an exciting fight, but I kind of lack some round time, some experience in the cage. Hopefully I can get at least four fights in this year and then kind of go from there ... At the same time, if someone gets injured and they want me in, I’m definitely going to be training hard and coming in to fight, I’ll definitely take the opportunity."

Hello, conspiracy? I have theory on line one. Undefeated Strikeforce heavyweight prospect Shane del Rosario, who earned a spot as grand prix alternate by submitting Lavar Johnson at the "Fedor vs. Silva" event back on Feb. 12, doesn't mind stepping aside to let famed Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko back into the tournament after a shocking first round exit in East Rutherford, NJ. "The Last Emperor" was dominated by Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva en route to a technical knockout loss (doctor stoppage) but that hasn't kept Strikeforce or M-1 Global from trying to find a way to get its top ratings draw back into the fold. Anyone think Del Rosario got a fat bonus to open the alternate gate for the former WAMMA jamma? Or do you believe his claim that an opportunity to become tournament champion and division number one contender is "no big deal?" Opinions, please.