RT @JoshLBarnett: Shayna Baszler to fight Kat Alendal in the semi-finals of the FCF women’s 135lb tourney. Kat’s tough and has a great…

This is great news as we know that both fighters are doing to do well and Shayna wants to show everyone that she is still the contender in the US. Good luck to both fighters…

This is how you do business all nice and calm and not be an ass like Dana White, Sorry Dana Strikeforce will be around a lot longer than you think.

- Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently spoke with MMAJunkie.com, here are the highlights…
On What They Accomplished In 2009: "If you really think about the amazing growth of Strikeforce, and this is all the last 11 months now – our first fight was April 10 of 2009 when Frank Shamrock fought Nick Diaz – at that time, I had certain benchmarks," Coker said. "I wanted to get Gina Carano back in the cage. I want to build our roster and build some of the great fighters that I know are out there and available. I want to get DREAM to come and compete here. Fedor wasn’t even in the equation, but for us to be deliver Fedor on CBS, and for that to be a Strikeforce and M-1 co-promotion, I mean, I think every goal that we set out last year, we’ve done that and then some."
On The Company’s Growth: "The growth has been amazing, and I really feel honored and fortunate to have networks like CBS and Showtime because they’re very vested in this program, and they love mixed martial arts," Coker said. "Because of guys like (Showtime executive) Ken Hershman, we get to see the amazing fights that Strikeforce is able to put together. If it wasn’t for the networks backing it up, we wouldn’t be able to put the fights on. It’s an amazing time for Strikeforce, and I think this year will be another amazing year. Fedor will be back, and I think that the fight in Nashville is going to be another benchmark in having Dan Henderson come."
On Preparing The April Card: "Basically, we told the guys (on the April card) to start training because this is the fight date," Coker said. "We told them at least three weeks ago that that was the case. They knew they were going to fight, and they started training. It was just a matter of time. Jake vs. ‘Hendo,’ we told Jake in January that that was the fight that was going to happen. Henderson knew that was the fight. So they’ve already been training and looking forward to the opportunity. With (Shinya) Aoki, it just took a long time where I actually got the signed contract back, and then I knew it was done. They held a press conference in Japan to say Aoki is fighting for DREAM, and he’s coming to Strikeforce to represent Japan and compete against the best fighters here, and he would like to bring home the belt against Gilbert Melendez. That took some time, but we told Gilbert probably five weeks ago, ‘Listen, you’re going to be fighting, and this is most likely the guy. When we get it greenlit 100 percent, we’ll let you know, but start training, and be ready."
On Being In This For The Long Haul: "We’re going to be in this for a long time, and a year from now, it’s probably going to be the same thing," Coker said. " The difference between our company and the other companies that went out of business before us is that this is our core business. We’ve been doing this for 25 years, and I think we’re very good at it. My partners that are with me now have made us 10-times more efficient, and they’re very good at what they do, and they bring very smart business prowess to Strikeforce. I feel very lucky. To Strikeforce’s fans: Thank you for the support. We’re going to do 20 fights in a 12 month period. Continue supporting us; we truly appreciate it."

Scott Coker Talks Strikeforce’s Progress

Ben Roethlisberger has been asked to fork over a DNA sample to cops as part of the investigation into accusations that the NFL star sexually assaulted a 20-year-old woman. The Milledgeville Police Department claim they made the request to Ben’s legal …

Cops Request DNA from Ben Roethlisberger

Elaina Maxwell had a busy past weekend with her competing at NAGA and defending her Purple Belt that she just received a while back. It turns out that Elaina did very well and is happy with her grappling performance at NAGA. She competed against a an old Robert Drysdale BJJ teammate from Mica Machado’s Gym in the Purple Absolute division and she tapped her with a reverse triangle. She goes on to say that there was only 2 in the division and feels that NAGA should offer discounts to female competitors to get more female registrants in the tournament itself. She did say that there was no one in her NOGI division. Overall she said that she got first in both division which is what I expected the outcome to be anyways and I have to say that Elaina is becoming a more well-rounded fighter and hopefully she will compete within the strikeforce ranks soon.

Elaina is going to be hitting up the Pan-American BJJ tournament in Irvine, California. The tournament starts in April and runs from 8th through 11th. Again Elaina will be competing in the purple divisions and said that there should be more women at this tournament.

Elaina again wants to thank her sponsors who helped get ready for this past tournament and their continue support of her of all endeavors that she has done within the past year. Here are the sponsors that support Elaina Maxwell: Tussle Fight Gear, Knoxx, Trinity BJJ,  Combat Sports Academy and Cesar Gracie for all their support in her career.

It sure seems to be a tough year for some fighters to get in the MMA world so many of the fighters are competing in BJJ tournaments or any kind of grappling tournament to keep their skills sharp because you never know when you will get a call to head over to Strikeforce and fight on a major promotion like that. Elaina has always been ready for a good challenge and hopes that she will get the call one day to get this done.

I hope that Strikeforce really gets this 145 tournament going, but from the looks of it, it will not happen in April and our FeMMA expert MarQ-news editor from fg.com said that more than likely that there will a chance for the tournament to be in June or July since we know that April and May are packed already with some great fights.

So don’t forget to hit up Elaina on her website and at facebook to catch all the latest news in her career and for some great content that she posted with interviews from various places and a great bio that is on her website.

Ben Roethlisberger’s alleged sexual assault victim is at home with her parents after dropping out of school, TMZ has learned.Multiple sources tell us the 20-year old woman dropped out of Georgia College & State University over the weekend.We’re told …

Roethlisberger Accuser Drops Out, Goes Home

No one, for sure, can say what motivates a man or woman to fight in a mixed martial arts event, it could be to gain experience, fame, attention, or an innate love for the sport. Nobody can say what motivates the promoter to put on a show or choose certain fighters, whether it is revenue, creating opportunities for fighters to get experience in the sport, donating proceeds to a favorite cause; and no one…

view rest of article at fg.com

Fightergirls.com – Fight Night in New England

It was a huge night for Jessica Aguilar, while she gave up a 6 inch reach advantage and probably 15+ pounds at fight time, determination and execution made all the difference in the out come – Jessica just simply used superior skills and exploded to totally dominate the fight.
Most of the action in the 1st round was a combination of stand up exchanges, takedowns, and then a mix of ground and pound along with some very damaging rear naked chokes- Valerie just kept fighting through all of this, but it was clear that it was taking a lot out of her.

Fightergirls.com – Jessica Aguilar Rocks Valerie Coolbaugh

Just read over at the fightergirls.com message boards that Rosi is moving to a new weight class and is looking to make her debut soon. She goes on to say that since Tara is more than likely moving to Strikeforce that she would not get a chance to fight Tara at 125lb so she wants to see more action in the 115lb weight class which according to her is hopping! from her post at FG.com message boards…

Good question!
Carina Damm I already fought. There has been some talk about a rematch, which I’m not particularly looking for, but wouldn’t have a problem with if and when she gets her issues sorted out with the CSAC.
Aisling Daly I think is a great girl and a talented fighter, but I have no interest in fighting her at the moment. Her coach is very close friends with my ex partner/coach and too much bullshit had gone on (on a personal level) for me to feel good about that happening just now. No reflection on Ais, and under different circumstances I would love to fight her. Who knows, things might change though.
Tara Larosa I think would be an excellent match, and I really hope this fight happens at some point. I’m contracted to Bellator though, so if as rumour has it she’s talking to strikeforce then that starts to look a bit less likely.
To be honest, I’m looking more at the 115 division at the moment – there seems to be more going on there. I hope to be making my debut in that weightclass soon, with perhaps some interesting things happening towards the end of the year.

http://www.fightergirls.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4411

according to Zoila via FB:

Great job Stephanie on preparing for you fight here are the details provided by Zoila:

Zoila Frausto

She did really good but got caught. Dominated the stand up and got the takedowns… but fell into an armbar. It sucked. She was doing so well but ended up in a bad position. She’s good though. She’ll be back real soon.

Check out our great interview with Stephanie here at SportsGeeks

Stephanie has a great attitude and I am sure she will be back in no time looking for another win…

Stephanie Frausto 17 pounds in 6 days! I feel like wonder woman! It’s crunch time tomorrow… But for now it’s time to spend time with my mama! Come see me fight at eagle mountain casino tomorrow…fights start at 1:30pm

Facebook

Erin Toughill Melanson For Fans, Friends, Etc: We cannot give specifics, but we have been told Erin will be fighting soon. She is *and has been* preparing for an upcoming bout, but cannot release details until said promotion does. We are crossing our fingers that all works out b/c we are just as tired (of not being able to fight) as those who have also been waiting for Erin to return in 2010.

updated:

Erin Toughill Melanson

FYI its NOT Cyborg…YET. There HAS to be a build up for that fight, so it’s not this soon. I dont want ppl to think that is the fight were waiting on.

Facebook | Erin Toughill Melanson For Fans, Friends, Etc: We cannot give specifics, but we have been told Erin will be fighting soon. She is *and has been* preparing for an upcoming bout, but cannot release details until said promotion does. We are crossing our fingers that all works out b/c we are just as tired (of not being able to fight) as those who have also been waiting for Erin to return in 2010.

Erin Toughill Melanson For Fans, Friends, Etc: We cannot give specifics, but we have been told Erin will be fighting soon. She is *and has been* preparing for an upcoming bout, but cannot release details until said promotion does. We are crossing our fingers that all works out b/c we are just as tired (of not being able to fight) as those who have also been waiting for Erin to return in 2010.

Facebook | Erin Toughill Melanson For Fans, Friends, Etc: We cannot give specifics, but we have been told Erin will be fighting soon. She is *and has been* preparing for an upcoming bout, but cannot release details until said promotion does. We are crossing our fingers that all works out b/c we are just as tired (of not being able to fight) as those who have also been waiting for Erin to return in 2010.

Staten Island, New York -
It was another successful football event as the 4th Annual Football Clinic for Girls was held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at Victory Indoor Sports Arena on Staten Island. This free all-day clinic, hosted by the Fins Up! Foundation for Female Athletics and produced by the players and staff of the New York Sharks was joined by Adam Koets of the New York Giants who was on hand (with his Super Bowl ring) to help coach the girls.
Melissa Pickett, Sharks Assistant Director of Community Events & Appearances, worked alongside Sharks team owner Andra Douglas to organize the camp. Former player and coach, Beth Nugent was Head Coach of the event while Adam Koets, guard and center for the NY Giants, coached and mentored the participants.
It was the largest group yet as NY Sharks players were instrumental in signing up nearly 175 participants from ages 12 to 18, although some younger girls just came to watch. Former player Veta Williams brought two bus loads of girls from the school where she teaches on Long Island. Groups that attended included: the Girls Scouts; Girls, Inc; and The Young Women’s Leadership Foundation.
The group was split up into teams and taught different player positions as well as how to hold, catch, handoff and throw the football. Drills continued with hand and foot placement culminating in actual groups of 7 on 7 flag football games.
While football was the sport, the focus was to teach confidence, team spirit and most of all to have fun without any pressure to win. Along with teaching the basic skills of football came Life Skills where Adam and girlfriend Taya Wyss talked about goal setting and responsibilities.
Taya Wyss is part of a group called WAGs, Wives and Girlfriends (of NY Giants.) She met the Sharks when they were working at a Giants game and, after talking to some of the Shark payers learned about their camp. Taya, who was looking for an organization that she felt compelled to support with both time and money said, �I love football and the thought of empowering young women. I felt compelled to assist in creating awareness of both the Girls Football Camp and women�s tackle football�.
Taya was able to come up with some funding, particularly the cost of the buses that took the girls to and from four locations in NYC. She eagerly attended the event and was able to speak not only with the girls but also their parents, who said that at first were not keen on their daughters playing a rough contact sport. �Once they saw them play�, said Taya, �they accepted that they were not in any danger and really enjoying themselves�.
Players Cheri Eleazer, Erica Butler, Takesha Dye, Mandy Oppel, Lorinda Ferguson, Kymm Elliot, Virginai �Chachi� Leon, Sarah Schkeeper, Janea Wilkerson, Jessica Vasquez, Marcie Kowalski, Vanessa Schoening, Tia Hopkins, Dana Sparling, and Manoucha �Nikki� Joseph, made up the NY Sharks players coaching staff and Sharks trainer Amy Lenz volunteered her time. Let�s not leave out the 2010 Coaching staff that participated in this fun-filled day.
The NY Sharks Annual Girls Football Camp is open to any girl between the ages of 12 and 17 regardless of their residence. All participants received a commemorative IWFL wristband, a NY Giants tee-shirt and free tickets to a New York Sharks game.

Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL)

Frank L Ramirez RT @Fightergirls: Valerie Coolbaugh loses to Jessica Aguilar near the end of round 2 via triangle choke #MMA

18 minutes ago via FBLook · Comment · Like

AP_Mobile Steelers QB accused of sexual assault in Georgia http://bit.ly/9Tehqq