After more than 15 months, three previous events and six fights (plus a few reserve bouts), we're down to the final two men in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier are set to square off in a five-round, non-title bout this Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose in the main event of the organization's 40th show.
In case you've been incapacitated since late Saturday evening, UFC welterweight Nick Diaz was a no-show for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superfight with world renowned black belt Braulio Estima on Sunday. Cesar Gracie promised on Twitter to have an explanation on Monday for Diaz never showing his face for the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo main event. While the explanation was a little late, Gracie had plenty to say on Tuesday, placing the blame on "Brazilian cronies" for managing the event poorly while placing very little blame on Diaz.
One of the most polarizing figures in MMA history may be winding down his career. A Russian news publication reports former Pride FC champion Fedor Emelianenk]'s next fight may be his last as the Last Emperor is mulling over retirement. Emelianenko is scheduled to fight former UFC fighter Pedro Rizzo on June 21 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The fight would be Emelianenko's third fight since departing Strikeforce. The third time may be the charm as Emelianenko is looking to go 3-0 before a possible ride off into the sunset.
Junior Dos Santos has a better ground game than Frank Mir, according to the Brazilian's Jiu-Jitsu coach. Dos Santos is preparing for the first defence of his UFC heavyweight title on May 26, when he meets former champion Mir in Las Vegas. Dos Santos is expected to own the stand-up while Mir will want to take the fight horizontal, insisting Dos Santos "avoids it like it is poison".
