"Whatever they want, we just want to fight. If they want to put (Josh) Barnett there that's fine, they want Fedor (Emelianenko) again, that's fine. We would rather fight Overeem cause he's in the semifinals, that would be for everybody. I find that it's unfortunate and I don't think that one fighter's interest can be above anybody else's. That's the truth."
-- Alex Davis, the manager who represents Antonio Silva, tells MMAWeekly.com that "Bigfoot" is just eager to get back in the cage, regardless of his opponent. The Brazilian was supposed to collide with Alistair Overeem in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament semifinals, however, it was revealed earlier today that "Demolition Man" won't be able to make the Sept. 10, 2011, event. In his place, undefeated (8-0) wrestling standout Daniel Cormier has been plugged in, which is a far cry from the Josh Barnett's and Fedor Emelianenko's of the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. Emelianenko, the early favorite to win the tournament, was bounced out by Silva in a big upset earlier this year. Barnett, meanwhile, is on the opposite side of the bracket, making a potential showdown possible if Silva can get through the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product and the "Baby-Faced Assassin" can topple Sergei Kharitonov. "Pezao," however, has suddenly gone from tournament underdog to odds on favorite (at least on his side of the bracket) literally overnight with Overeem forced off the card. Cormier, while relatively green, certainly poses significant challenges ... especially with his wrestling pedigree and improved stand up. Will the sudden switch throw a wrench into his plans or will it just ensure an easier path to the finals against Barnett/Kharitonov? Let's hear it.
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