This past Saturday, Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce 155-pound belt against Josh Thomson at the finale of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The event was held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. The main event saw Daniel Cormier upset the favored and more experienced fighter, Josh Barnett, to win the grand prix tourney. But for many, the reason they were there was to see local favorites Melendez and Thomson.

The two Bay Area natives had fought twice before, with Thomson handing Melendez only his second loss back in 2008. Since then The Skrap Pack leader has avenged his loss to Thomson while winning seven straight bouts. Thomson, meanwhile, has struggled with injuries, but won three out of four to earn a return match with his rival.

The rubber match was a close fight, with one judge even giving Thomson the win. In the end, Melendez had his hand raised, but experienced boos from the partisan crowd. The champ had stated before the fight that he knew he didn’t have much to gain by fighting Thomson, and wasn’t shy about mentioning that. If he won, he beat someone that most feel he has already surpassed. And if he loses, it sets him way back.

However, all of that is moot, as Melendez won. But that begs the question: who’s next? Melendez himself has stated that Pat Healy is next. While not what one might call a “sexy” choice, he had won four straight Strikeforce fights, and makes more sense than just about anybody in the Strikeforce 155-pound division.

There are other options out there, however. It’s no secret that top lightweight Eddie Alvarez, who has been competing for Bellator recently, is a free agent. In fact, he and Melendez engaged in a bit of a war of words a couple years ago when there were rumors of a Bellator-Strikeforce co-promotion in the works. Outside of bringing in a contender from Strikeforce’s sister promotion, the UFC, Alvarez is probably the best option. He’s won eight of his last nine fights, with his only loss being his title loss against Michael Chandler late last year. Alvarez rebounded with a decisive TKO of Shinya Aoki, and is now fielding offers for his services.

If I’m Strikeforce, I do everything I can to bring in Alvarez before Dana White does. The UFC president has made it clear that the two Zuffa promotions are both able to negotiate with the same free agents. Make a run at Alvarez, and bring Melendez some competition he can get motivated for.

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What a night of fights it was at ECS' "Battle at the Fox!" This past Saturday’s Cinco de Mayo event was filled with hot fights in downtown Redwood City, the the ECS fighters didn't disappoint. Here are the full results:

Mefi Monterroso (2-2) defeated Toby Fuentes (0-1-1) via split-decision - It was a good first round with multiple sub attempts from both sides. Mefi clearly took the 2nd round, but Toby comes back in the 3rd. In the end, it was a close fight, but Monterroso took the win home.

Eric Rosa and Spencer White sparred in a grappling exhibition

Michael De Jesus (1-1) defeated Randy Panado (0-1-1) via rear-naked coke in the 2nd round - There were lots of sub attempts for Panado after pulling guard early in the 1st round. De Jesus stormed back in the 2nd round, and when Panado left his neck open, De Jesus capitalized and grabbed the choke.

Lawrence, a.k.a. "The Korean Jesus" and Raul Quintero engaged in another grappling exhibition

DeMarco Villalona, Jr. (1-0) defeated Justin Davis (1-3) via unanimous decision - Villalona started off strong and got the takedown. He spent the 1st round looking to improve his position on the ground. It was a close 2nd round, But Villalona landed the better shots in the 3rd round, and took home the decision win.

Matt Arigoni and Gino Aguilar tangled in another grappling exhibition

Nikko Jackson (9-4) defeated Marco Del Real (3-3) via armbar submission in the 1st round - In a welterweight title unification bout, Jackson landed three huge slams before weathering an omoplata attempt and turning it into an armbar sub. One tapout later and Jackson had both belts.

Radames Garcia (7-1) defeated Steven Lara (4-1) via submission in the 1st round - Despite a lot of Steve Lara supporters in the theatre, Garcia withstood early fireworks and grabbed the win and title via tapout.

Stay tuned for news on the next big ECS fight event!

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.elitecombatsports.com/

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)

When a 6’5”, 235-pounder comes out to the scale at the weigh-ins before his fight sporting a bright pink scarf, it’s going to turn heads. And when Dave Herman did that at the “UFC on FUEL TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger” weigh-ins, it wasn’t just the fans that were caught off-guard. Count UFC President Dana White amongst those who were dumbfounded. “I like Dave Herman,” said White afterwards. “The stuff he pulled this week? I can’t stand that stuff. Listen, if you want to get noticed…get noticed for your fighting skills. Not for coming in like a gorilla or wearing pink scarves. And coming in to ‘Macho Man?’ As I was sitting there, I’m thinking, ‘Did I seriously let him come into this song?’” 

Herman losing his co-main event bout to Stefan Struve via TKO certainly didn’t help matters. I recently spoke with the big heavyweight to get his thoughts on the scarf, his inordinate amount of body hair, and his future.

Phil Lanides: You were issued a 30-day medical suspension after the fight. This is usually pretty routine for TKO losses. Was this just precautionary? How are you doing physically?

Dave Herman: I didn’t even know about that, honestly, until you just brought it up. No injuries, though. My eye was a little sore for a few days, but I’m alright.

PL: Your fight with Struve has been deemed a “come-from-behind” victory for him by the media. There’s no question that you had things going your way in the first round. What do you feel happened?

DH: I was still fine when they stopped it. But it happened…maybe not quick enough for some people, I guess. I probably should have been out at that point. But it kind of let me know what I need to work on. So, yeah, in some aspects I did well, and in some others, it let me know what I need to work on.

PL: Are you aware of some of the things UFC President Dana White said about you after the fight?

DH: No, I’m not.

PL: White apparently didn’t like the pink scarf you sported at the weigh-ins, saying you looked like a “gorilla in a scarf.” He also didn’t like that you came out to the cage accompanied by “Macho Man.” Do you take that as a lack of support from Dana? What is your reaction to that?

DH: Once again, I’m hearing this for the first time. But I can see where he’s coming from. Like in interviews, half the fighters try to be funny, but we’re here to fight, not to be funny. But at the same time, I like to be funny (laughs). It happens…but obviously it won’t happen again.

PL: You did seem to have a little more body hair than usual…was that planned?

DH: I actually left my charger at a friend’s house back in November, and I just never got around to getting another one. And I was thinking it was pretty funny, so I thought, ‘Let’s just go with it.’ I’ve had a lot of mixed responses to it, but overall, pretty positive. Most people just thought it was funny. My favorite part was at the weigh-ins, actually. I had a buddy there with me, and I told him to record the ring girls’ faces when I take off my shirt and they look at my back. They were like, ‘don’t look, don’t look.’ So it was pretty funny.

PL: Tell us the story behind the scarf.

DH: I made it the night before the weigh-ins, actually. Almost didn’t get it done in time…had to stay up late to finish it. I was going to Nebraska, it was going to be cold, so I thought I’d made a scarf.

PL: So, as far as the scarf, and “Macho Man,” and the body hair, it wasn’t really planned out?

DH: Yeah. The scarf was kind of a last-minute thing, and the body hair…that ended up being planned. I actually wanted to come out to the same song I did last time, which was ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,’ which they wouldn’t let me come out to.

PL: They wouldn’t let you come out to that?

DH: No.

PL: Did you get an explanation as to why?

DH: I don’t know. They may have. My manager just told me they wouldn’t let me come out to that song. I actually came up with a few songs, like ‘Boys Don’t Cry,’ and they said that was even worse (laughs).

PL: After dealing with the marijuana suspension, which you publicly stated that you hadn’t partaken in, and now this loss coupled with Dana’s thoughts on your approach to the fight, are these just more obstacles to overcome? Are you more motivated for your next fight?

DH: The loss motivates me quite a bit for my next fight, and like I said, it lets me know what I need to work on.

PL: At 21-3, you still sport one of the most impressive records in the heavyweight division. What’s next for Dave Herman?

DH: I haven’t heard anything yet…just waiting to hear. The sooner the better.

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Rising NorCal fight promotion Elite Combat Sports (ECS) will hit the historic Fox Theatre once again as ECS brings “Battle at the Fox” to downtown Redwood City, California on Cinco de Mayo. Two title fights will be featured as undefeated Steve Lara and Radames Garcia will vie for the 135-pound title, and Nikko Jackson will defend his newly-won 170-pound strap against top contender Marco Del Real.

“Battle at the Fox” takes place on Saturday, May 5th at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California. Doors open at 5 PM, with the first fight hitting the cage at 6 PM. Tickets are available online at https://elitecombatsports.vbotickets.com/events. What an incredible night of fights it’s going to be!

“I can’t wait for Cinco de Mayo…these youngsters are going to lay it all out on the line,” stated ECS Matchmaker Geoff Quares. “We’ve got some really talented fighters, and it’s going to be a special night.”

ECS Associate Rick Gutierrez said, “This is going to be an awesome night of fights. Geoff did a great job matching them, but the real winners are going to be the fans…no question about it.”

Added ECS Associate and Muay Thai legend Mike Espinoza, “We are doing everything we can to build up ECS into the best fight promotion we can. The ‘Battle at the Fox’ is the next step for us, and I am excited to see the fight action provided by these young studs on Cinco de Mayo.”

At “Battle at the Fox,” Radames Garcia will lock horns with Steve Lara with the 135-pound title on the line. This scrap is sure to be a crowd-pleasing affair heavy on action. Both fighters have strong fan followings, and will have a lot riding on the line when they stand toe-to-toe with one another. Cinco de Mayo will play host to this pivotal battle, and the crowd is sure to be on fire for this one.

Also at this event, Nikko Jackson, one of the sons of UFC/Strikeforce veteran Eugene “The Wolf” Jackson, returns to Bay Area fight action after an exciting win at the last ECS event. He defends his belt against a very tough opponent in Marco Del Real. Jackson’s father Eugene is a certifiable legend in the Bay Area, having competed multiple times for the UFC and Strikeforce. Nikko is following in his father’s footsteps and will look to further the family legacy at “Battle at the Fox.”

Here is the full fight card as it stands:

135 lbs. (title bout): Steve Lara (4-0) vs. Radames Garcia (6-1)

170 lbs. (title bout): Marco Del Real (3-2) vs. Nikko Jackson (8-4)

210 lbs.: Myles Shaw (3-1) vs. Lamar Gosey (3-2)

145 lbs.: Jino Martinez (0-1) vs. Kevin Yamashita (0-1)

170 lbs.: Raymond Zuniga (2-0) vs. Lucas Brito (1-0)

170 lbs.: Keith Cutrone (5-1) vs. Juan Quesada (4-0)

145 lbs.: Charlie Seang (3-0) vs. Mike Willis (4-1)

125 lbs.: Dustin Moore (3-3) vs. Mefi Monterroso (1-2)

155 lbs.: Edgar Nolasco (2-0) vs. JJ Okanovich (2-1)

145 lbs.: Mike de Jesus (0-1) vs. Randy Panado (0-0-1)

170 lbs.: Abraham Vaesau (1-2) vs. Josh Passmore (1-3)

185 lbs.: Steven Miranda (0-2) @ Justin Davis (1-2)

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.elitecombatsports.com/

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)

This past Saturday, Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce 155-pound belt against Josh Thomson at the finale of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The event was held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. The main event saw Daniel Cormier upset the favored and more experienced fighter, Josh Barnett, to win the grand prix tourney. But for many, the reason they were there was to see local favorites Melendez and Thomson.

The two Bay Area natives had fought twice before, with Thomson handing Melendez only his second loss back in 2008. Since then The Skrap Pack leader has avenged his loss to Thomson while winning seven straight bouts. Thomson, meanwhile, has struggled with injuries, but won three out of four to earn a return match with his rival.

The rubber match was a close fight, with one judge even giving Thomson the win. In the end, Melendez had his hand raised, but experienced boos from the partisan crowd. The champ had stated before the fight that he knew he didn’t have much to gain by fighting Thomson, and wasn’t shy about mentioning that. If he won, he beat someone that most feel he has already surpassed. And if he loses, it sets him way back.

However, all of that is moot, as Melendez won. But that begs the question: who’s next? Melendez himself has stated that Pat Healy is next. While not what one might call a “sexy” choice, he had won four straight Strikeforce fights, and makes more sense than just about anybody in the Strikeforce 155-pound division.

There are other options out there, however. It’s no secret that top lightweight Eddie Alvarez, who has been competing for Bellator recently, is a free agent. In fact, he and Melendez engaged in a bit of a war of words a couple years ago when there were rumors of a Bellator-Strikeforce co-promotion in the works. Outside of bringing in a contender from Strikeforce’s sister promotion, the UFC, Alvarez is probably the best option. He’s won eight of his last nine fights, with his only loss being his title loss against Michael Chandler late last year. Alvarez rebounded with a decisive TKO of Shinya Aoki, and is now fielding offers for his services.

If I’m Strikeforce, I do everything I can to bring in Alvarez before Dana White does. The UFC president has made it clear that the two Zuffa promotions are both able to negotiate with the same free agents. Make a run at Alvarez, and bring Melendez some competition he can get motivated for.

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)

What a night of fights it was at ECS' "Battle at the Fox!" This past Saturday’s Cinco de Mayo event was filled with hot fights in downtown Redwood City, the the ECS fighters didn't disappoint. Here are the full results:

Mefi Monterroso (2-2) defeated Toby Fuentes (0-1-1) via split-decision - It was a good first round with multiple sub attempts from both sides. Mefi clearly took the 2nd round, but Toby comes back in the 3rd. In the end, it was a close fight, but Monterroso took the win home.

Eric Rosa and Spencer White sparred in a grappling exhibition

Michael De Jesus (1-1) defeated Randy Panado (0-1-1) via rear-naked coke in the 2nd round - There were lots of sub attempts for Panado after pulling guard early in the 1st round. De Jesus stormed back in the 2nd round, and when Panado left his neck open, De Jesus capitalized and grabbed the choke.

Lawrence, a.k.a. "The Korean Jesus" and Raul Quintero engaged in another grappling exhibition

DeMarco Villalona, Jr. (1-0) defeated Justin Davis (1-3) via unanimous decision - Villalona started off strong and got the takedown. He spent the 1st round looking to improve his position on the ground. It was a close 2nd round, But Villalona landed the better shots in the 3rd round, and took home the decision win.

Matt Arigoni and Gino Aguilar tangled in another grappling exhibition

Nikko Jackson (9-4) defeated Marco Del Real (3-3) via armbar submission in the 1st round - In a welterweight title unification bout, Jackson landed three huge slams before weathering an omoplata attempt and turning it into an armbar sub. One tapout later and Jackson had both belts.

Radames Garcia (7-1) defeated Steven Lara (4-1) via submission in the 1st round - Despite a lot of Steve Lara supporters in the theatre, Garcia withstood early fireworks and grabbed the win and title via tapout.

Stay tuned for news on the next big ECS fight event!

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.elitecombatsports.com/

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)

When a 6’5”, 235-pounder comes out to the scale at the weigh-ins before his fight sporting a bright pink scarf, it’s going to turn heads. And when Dave Herman did that at the “UFC on FUEL TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger” weigh-ins, it wasn’t just the fans that were caught off-guard. Count UFC President Dana White amongst those who were dumbfounded. “I like Dave Herman,” said White afterwards. “The stuff he pulled this week? I can’t stand that stuff. Listen, if you want to get noticed…get noticed for your fighting skills. Not for coming in like a gorilla or wearing pink scarves. And coming in to ‘Macho Man?’ As I was sitting there, I’m thinking, ‘Did I seriously let him come into this song?’” 

Herman losing his co-main event bout to Stefan Struve via TKO certainly didn’t help matters. I recently spoke with the big heavyweight to get his thoughts on the scarf, his inordinate amount of body hair, and his future.

Phil Lanides: You were issued a 30-day medical suspension after the fight. This is usually pretty routine for TKO losses. Was this just precautionary? How are you doing physically?

Dave Herman: I didn’t even know about that, honestly, until you just brought it up. No injuries, though. My eye was a little sore for a few days, but I’m alright.

PL: Your fight with Struve has been deemed a “come-from-behind” victory for him by the media. There’s no question that you had things going your way in the first round. What do you feel happened?

DH: I was still fine when they stopped it. But it happened…maybe not quick enough for some people, I guess. I probably should have been out at that point. But it kind of let me know what I need to work on. So, yeah, in some aspects I did well, and in some others, it let me know what I need to work on.

PL: Are you aware of some of the things UFC President Dana White said about you after the fight?

DH: No, I’m not.

PL: White apparently didn’t like the pink scarf you sported at the weigh-ins, saying you looked like a “gorilla in a scarf.” He also didn’t like that you came out to the cage accompanied by “Macho Man.” Do you take that as a lack of support from Dana? What is your reaction to that?

DH: Once again, I’m hearing this for the first time. But I can see where he’s coming from. Like in interviews, half the fighters try to be funny, but we’re here to fight, not to be funny. But at the same time, I like to be funny (laughs). It happens…but obviously it won’t happen again.

PL: You did seem to have a little more body hair than usual…was that planned?

DH: I actually left my charger at a friend’s house back in November, and I just never got around to getting another one. And I was thinking it was pretty funny, so I thought, ‘Let’s just go with it.’ I’ve had a lot of mixed responses to it, but overall, pretty positive. Most people just thought it was funny. My favorite part was at the weigh-ins, actually. I had a buddy there with me, and I told him to record the ring girls’ faces when I take off my shirt and they look at my back. They were like, ‘don’t look, don’t look.’ So it was pretty funny.

PL: Tell us the story behind the scarf.

DH: I made it the night before the weigh-ins, actually. Almost didn’t get it done in time…had to stay up late to finish it. I was going to Nebraska, it was going to be cold, so I thought I’d made a scarf.

PL: So, as far as the scarf, and “Macho Man,” and the body hair, it wasn’t really planned out?

DH: Yeah. The scarf was kind of a last-minute thing, and the body hair…that ended up being planned. I actually wanted to come out to the same song I did last time, which was ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,’ which they wouldn’t let me come out to.

PL: They wouldn’t let you come out to that?

DH: No.

PL: Did you get an explanation as to why?

DH: I don’t know. They may have. My manager just told me they wouldn’t let me come out to that song. I actually came up with a few songs, like ‘Boys Don’t Cry,’ and they said that was even worse (laughs).

PL: After dealing with the marijuana suspension, which you publicly stated that you hadn’t partaken in, and now this loss coupled with Dana’s thoughts on your approach to the fight, are these just more obstacles to overcome? Are you more motivated for your next fight?

DH: The loss motivates me quite a bit for my next fight, and like I said, it lets me know what I need to work on.

PL: At 21-3, you still sport one of the most impressive records in the heavyweight division. What’s next for Dave Herman?

DH: I haven’t heard anything yet…just waiting to hear. The sooner the better.

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)

Rising NorCal fight promotion Elite Combat Sports (ECS) will hit the historic Fox Theatre once again as ECS brings “Battle at the Fox” to downtown Redwood City, California on Cinco de Mayo. Two title fights will be featured as undefeated Steve Lara and Radames Garcia will vie for the 135-pound title, and Nikko Jackson will defend his newly-won 170-pound strap against top contender Marco Del Real.

“Battle at the Fox” takes place on Saturday, May 5th at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California. Doors open at 5 PM, with the first fight hitting the cage at 6 PM. Tickets are available online at https://elitecombatsports.vbotickets.com/events. What an incredible night of fights it’s going to be!

“I can’t wait for Cinco de Mayo…these youngsters are going to lay it all out on the line,” stated ECS Matchmaker Geoff Quares. “We’ve got some really talented fighters, and it’s going to be a special night.”

ECS Associate Rick Gutierrez said, “This is going to be an awesome night of fights. Geoff did a great job matching them, but the real winners are going to be the fans…no question about it.”

Added ECS Associate and Muay Thai legend Mike Espinoza, “We are doing everything we can to build up ECS into the best fight promotion we can. The ‘Battle at the Fox’ is the next step for us, and I am excited to see the fight action provided by these young studs on Cinco de Mayo.”

At “Battle at the Fox,” Radames Garcia will lock horns with Steve Lara with the 135-pound title on the line. This scrap is sure to be a crowd-pleasing affair heavy on action. Both fighters have strong fan followings, and will have a lot riding on the line when they stand toe-to-toe with one another. Cinco de Mayo will play host to this pivotal battle, and the crowd is sure to be on fire for this one.

Also at this event, Nikko Jackson, one of the sons of UFC/Strikeforce veteran Eugene “The Wolf” Jackson, returns to Bay Area fight action after an exciting win at the last ECS event. He defends his belt against a very tough opponent in Marco Del Real. Jackson’s father Eugene is a certifiable legend in the Bay Area, having competed multiple times for the UFC and Strikeforce. Nikko is following in his father’s footsteps and will look to further the family legacy at “Battle at the Fox.”

Here is the full fight card as it stands:

135 lbs. (title bout): Steve Lara (4-0) vs. Radames Garcia (6-1)

170 lbs. (title bout): Marco Del Real (3-2) vs. Nikko Jackson (8-4)

210 lbs.: Myles Shaw (3-1) vs. Lamar Gosey (3-2)

145 lbs.: Jino Martinez (0-1) vs. Kevin Yamashita (0-1)

170 lbs.: Raymond Zuniga (2-0) vs. Lucas Brito (1-0)

170 lbs.: Keith Cutrone (5-1) vs. Juan Quesada (4-0)

145 lbs.: Charlie Seang (3-0) vs. Mike Willis (4-1)

125 lbs.: Dustin Moore (3-3) vs. Mefi Monterroso (1-2)

155 lbs.: Edgar Nolasco (2-0) vs. JJ Okanovich (2-1)

145 lbs.: Mike de Jesus (0-1) vs. Randy Panado (0-0-1)

170 lbs.: Abraham Vaesau (1-2) vs. Josh Passmore (1-3)

185 lbs.: Steven Miranda (0-2) @ Justin Davis (1-2)

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.elitecombatsports.com/

Find me on Facebook: Crossfire Media Group

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CrossfireMedia (@CrossfireMedia)