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After latest win, Kennedy proves marketable contender for Strikeforce
Tim Kennedy (11-2) delivered previously un-beaten Zak Cummings (11-1) his first career loss and improved his stock in Strikeforce’s intriguing middleweight division in the main event of the Friday, Sept. 25, Strikeforce Challengers event.
The show took place at the SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla., just outside of Tulsa, and aired on Showtime.
Kennedy easily scored takedowns and battered his opponent with an effective ground-and-pound assault. After nearly ending the fight with a standing guillotine, Kennedy ultimately forced the second-round tap-out via north-south choke.
Kennedy, a member of the Army’s Special Forces who recently signed on with the Texas National Guard so he could continue fighting full-time, has proven he can hang with the world’s top 185-pounders. He’s a well-spoken, insightful American hero who has a great story about joining the military following the events of 9/11.
As Strikeforce uses its Showtime and CBS deals to nip at the heels of the UFC, Kennedy could be one of the organization’s most marketable stars.
In other action at Friday’s event, former U.S. Olympic wrestling team captain Daniel Cormier (1-0) made a successful pro MMA debut and stopped a game Gary Frazier (0-1) with punches in the second round. Cormier, though, is still green and needs to quickly pick up some jiu jitsu to take advantage of his ability of taking the fight to the ground.
Welterweight prospect Tyron Woodley (4-0), a former University of Missouri All-American wrestler, again was impressive as he shut down Zach Light (6-9) via submission. Woodley is explosive, athletic and quick. And if Strikeforce doesn’t rush the youngster along too quickly, he could prove to be the real deal.
The full results from Friday’s event included:
Tim Kennedy def. Zak Cummings via submission (north-south choke) - Round 2, 2:43
Ray Sefo def. Kevin Jordan via TKO (injury) - Round 2, 0:24
Tyron Woodley def. Zach Light via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 3:38
Thomas Longacre def. Travis Calanoc via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Daniel Cormier def. Gary Frazier via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 3:39
Jeri Sitzes def. Lacey Schuckman via TKO (punches) - Round 3, 2:18
Paul Bradley def. Levi Avera via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Trey Houston def. Brandon Gaines via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 2, 1:28
Kenny Giddens def. Jon Carson via submission (D’arce choke) - Round 2, 4:15
Josh Pulsifer def. Nick Gibbons via submission (D’arce choke) - Round 1, 1:05
Dillon Smith def. Lemont Davis via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 1:15
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