Two heavyweights collided last night (June 18, 2011) in what was expected to be a thrilling brawl in the opening bout of the Strikeforce: "Overeem vs. Werdum" main card as Chad Griggs and Valentijn Overeem threw down.
When the dust settled, it was Chad Griggs who got to beat his chest while the older Overeem lay defeated on the canvas, having tapped out to strikes.
It was certainly not a performance that would make his younger brother, Alistair, proud and he said as much in his post-fight interview with Ariel Helwani.
Find out just how Griggs was able pummel "The Python" below.
Overeem opened strongly with a big high kick, which was something he needed to do if he wanted to set himself apart from Griggs but "The Gravedigger" instantly pushed forward, clinched and threw the Dutchman to the canvas with a beautiful lateral drop.
Griggs immediately began working his ground and pound from Overeem's guard but once his punches began sneaking through, Overeem began to wilt under the pressure.
He's never been a guy that reacted well to getting punched in the face and the fight completely left "The Python." Griggs turned up the heat with his ground and pound as the Golden Glory fighter turtled up and refused to fight back, eventually tapping to strikes just before the three minute mark of the first round.
There's not much more to say about Valentijn Overeem's performance that hasn't already been said about the Hindenburg. It was pretty brutal. It's going to be difficult walking back to that famed Golden Glory gym after everyone in the world saw him tap out to strikes, which is one of the more embarrassing things a fighter can do.
If Valentijn fights again, it won't be against a big name. He's likely fought himself back to the local circuit after his performance last night.
This bout was completely and utterly dominated by Chad Griggs and he's looked better and better every time out. He went from a guy who was an afterthought against Bobby Lashley to an upset machine against Gian Villante and now he entered the fight with Overeem, a veteran of over 50 professional fights, as the betting favorite.
It's time to see Griggs get his shot against someone higher up the food chain. He's more than earned it. A bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has sparked interest. So has co-main event loser Brett Rogers.
More than likely, he'll be pitted against Daniel Cormier to create the ultimate Grand Prix alternate but Griggs has now successfully transitions from upset special pick to legitimate heavyweight. It'll be interesting seeing where his career goes from here.
So what do you think Maniacs?
Did Chad Griggs show you anything last night that makes you think he could make an impact on the division? What do you think is the key difference between Valentijn and Alistair that makes them such different fighters once the cage doors close?
Sound off!