Strikeforce / EliteXC PPV Round Up

Last night, Frank Shamrock made a triumphant return following his loss to Renzo Gracie, choking out Phil Baroni to become the first ever EliteXC 185 pound Middleweight division.

This was one of the most exciting and best fights that I've seen in some time now; both fighters came out swinging for the fences, and both had clear strategies. By no means was this an easy fight for Shamrock, who came out of the fight with considerable damage to his face due to Baroni's flurries and huge shots that really rocked Shamrock at the beginning of round two.

It was when the pace started to slow that Shamrock took advantage; Baroni's takedown was quickly reversed, with Frank taking his back and applying a choke that made the "New York Bad Ass" fall unconscious.

Shamrock looked impressive in the fight, and there is clearly a future for him in this company. Who will Shamrock fight next? Obviously the pivotal point is exactly who is tied down to contracts with EliteXC. However, I think the best possible fight for the company would be pitting Shamrock against Matt Lindland.

Next on the card, Murilo "Ninja" Rua beat another PRIDE veteran in the form of Joey Villasenor via TKO in round two. Ninja seemed impressive in his win, exhibiting the kind of dominating strikes and powerful groundwork that has mate "Chute boxe" famous. Following a devastating hook, Ninja followed his opponent to the floor where the referee called the TKO.

In other matches, Paul Buentello knocked out K-1 Veteran Carter Williams in the second stanza, and dangerous striker "Bang" Ludwig was defeated by Paul "Semtex" Daley.

Overall, this was a great card. A much better showing than UFC 72, and hopefully this is a good example of things to come.

Quick results:
Chris Cariaso def Anthony Figueroa (Unanimous Decision)
Rex Richards def Ray Seraille (TKO)
Luke Stewart def Jason Von Flue (TKO)
Mike Pyle def Aaron Wetherspoon (Unanimous Decision)
Nik Theotikos def Nick Covert (KO)
Edson Berto def Victor "Joe Boxer" Valenzuala (Submission)
Paul Buentello def Carter Williams (TKO)
Murilo Ninja Rua def Joey Villasenor (TKO)
Josh Thomson def Nick Gonzalez (submission)
Cung Le def Tony Fryklund (TKO)
Frank Shamrock def Phil Baroni (TKO, passed out due to choke)
Paul Daley def Duane "Bang" Ludwig (TKO)

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