FINAL QUOTES, PRESS RELEASE FOR STRIKEFORCE EVENT TONIGHT!

Posted on | April 11, 2009 | No Comments

CYBORG STRUGGLES TO MAKE WEIGHT;
SHOWTIME-STRIKEFORCE
FINAL FIGHTER QUOTES

Friday, April 10, 2009,

The HP Pavilion, San Jose, California

“SHAMROCK Vs. DIAZ — April 11 At HP Pavilion In San Jose, Calif.’’

Live on SHOWTIME and Live Stream Online at 10 p.m. ET/PT

SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 10, 2009) – Legendary MMA pioneer Frank Shamrock takes on talented, world class Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Nick Diaz in the main event on the eagerly awaited Strikeforce fight card tomorrow/Saturday, April 11, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

The exciting five-fight telecast will air live simultaneously as part of a regular SHOWTIME subscription and on the World Wide Web. Fans can purchase the live webcast — Strikeforce: All Access – for $24.95. It is available for review and pre-order at http://strikeforce.sho.com.

The SHOWTIME telecast airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast); Strikeforce: All Access will be webcast live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

In other televised fights, former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will face Rodrigo Damm for the interim Strikeforce lightweight title, Scott Smith will battle Benji Radach in a middleweight match, Brett Rogers and “Abongo” Humphrey will collide in a clash of unbeaten heavyweights and Cris “Cyborg” is scheduled to face Hitomi Akano in a women’s match at 145 pounds.

With the exception of Cyborg, all the fighters appearing on SHOWTIME easily made weight Friday. Cyborg came in at 152 pounds, six over the limit. She had until 8 p.m. PT to make weight.

Tickets for the live event, priced from $30, are available at the HP Pavilion box office (408) 287-7070, all Ticketmaster locations (408) 998-TIXS, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s website (www.strikeforce.com).

What the fighters had to say at Friday’s weigh-in:

FRANK SHAMROCK

“This fight will be fireworks and fractures, but I’m not sure of the order.

“There’ll be no feeling out process; I’ve already felt what is going in. It will be spectacular but it isn’t going the distance.’’

NICK DIAZ

“It’s all good. It’s hard to say what I am feeling except I know I’m ready to fight.’’

GILBERT MELENDEZ

“Not being able to fight Josh (Thomson) but getting to fight for the interim world title is good. I trained hard for a fight. I’m just glad there is a fight.

“I’ve seen a little of Damm and he is definitely a tough, worthy opponent and nobody I can take lightly. I respect him for taking this fight on short notice. But I come to win every fight. So I’m ready.’’

RODRIGO DAMM
“This is my first fight in the United States and I am very excited for the opportunity I am getting. I’m in top shape and feel very good.

“A win will really help my career and make people notice me more. This really is a chance of a lifetime.’’

SCOTT SMITH

“I really think our fight is going to steal the show. I know I’m ready to put on show, and Benji is too. He is a great fighter.

“This is a great fight for both of us. The fans are in for a treat, a very exciting fight between two fighters trying to beat the heck out of each other.’’

BENJI RADACH

“Things are going great and I’m anxious to go at it. The winner of this could be fighting for the world title next, but you have to take it one step at a time.

“I have definitely taken this fight seriously.’’

HITOMI AKANO

“This is my 20th fight, so this is like an anniversary, and my third fight in America. I am very pleased and excited about the opportunity.

“I know Cyborg is very tough, but I am a former champion and have a lot more experience. I know a victory over Cyborg would really help me make a name for myself in the United States.’’

BRETT ROGERS

“I’m feeling really good, ecstatic. This is going to be a great fight and I’m looking forward to it. Everybody always mentions Kimbo, but I only focus on the fight in front of me. I know I have to win them all.

“I’m still young, a fresh buck and looking forward to fighting on SHOWTIME for the third time. The guys in my division are old school. I know I have to beat them all, and I will. I’m patient. I know my time will come. It’s been a long time between fights but I’m ready.’’

ABONGO HUMPHREY

“I have the kind of style to defeat guys in my weight classes. I respect Rogers, but I am ready for him.’’