Strikeforce – Challengers 15
April 1, 2011
Stockton, California, United States
Lightweight (155 lbs)
[#40] Justin Wilcox (10 – 3 – 0) vs. [#92] Rodrigo Damm (9 – 4 – 0)
Justin Wilcox is coming into this bout with a 5 fight win streak, so a lot is riding on the line for this rising talent. With 4 straight wins in Strikeforce under his belt, Wilcox is looking to get into the championship picture. A decisive win over Rodrigo Damm could gain him that attention. Rodrigo Damm has won just 1 out of his last 4 fights since August 2008. If he were to score a victory over a strong prospect like Wilcox, he surely would viewed differently.
Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
[#121] Lorenz Larkin (8 – 0 – 0) vs. [#162] Scott Lighty (6 – 1 – 0)
Lorenz Larkin may have a shot to beat Scott Lighty if he keeps the fight standing. 6 out of 8 of Larkin’s wins come by way of TKO or KO. Larkin will be making his Strikeforce debut tonight. Scott Lighty has been relatively inactive as of late, going 1 and 1 since December of 2009. If he wants to win this fight, he has to avoid getting into punching exchanges with the precision striker. A win here would propel either fighter to the next level.
Lightweight (155 lbs)
[#270] David Douglas (8 – 2 – 0) vs. [#399] Caros Fodor (7 – 2 – 0)
Both fighters come into this fight with back to back wins and a lot to prove. Douglas has faced tougher competition inside Strikeforce than Fodor has. Fodor has won 6 of his 7 fights by submission, while Douglas has won 7 of his 8 wins by TKO. Whoever wins this fight will most likely move up the Challengers card.
Catchweight (165 lbs)
[#270] James Terry (9 – 2 – 0) vs. [*] Josh Thornburg (6 – 2 – 0)
James Terry was originally scheduled to face [#258LW] Conor Heun. Heun got injured and Josh Thornburg is the late replacement. The short notice for Thornburg is the reason for the catchweight. James Terry has won 4 of his last 5 fights, only losing a decision to Tarec Saffiedine. Josh Thornburg is coming off a loss to Roger Bowling just 3 weeks ago, so he will definitely not have ring rust.
Welterweight (170 lbs)
[#228] Wayne Phillips (5 – 3 – 0) vs. [*] Damion Douglas (3 – 1 – 0)
Wayne Phillips is on a two fight win streak, and is looking to win his third straight inside Strikeforce. Damion Douglas has not fought since September of 2008, so ring rust may be a factor in this fight.
Undercard
Welterweight (170 lbs)
[*] Rafael Rios (3 – 1 – 0) vs. [*] Anthony Avila (3 – 1 – 0)
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
[*] Robert Escalante (1 – 2 – 0) vs. [*] Raul Sandoval (0 – 0 – 0)
Lightweight (155 lbs)
[*] Tristan Arenal (2 – 1 – 0) vs. [*] Tom Peterson (2 – 2 – 0)
Flyweight (Under 131 lbs)
[*] Adam Antolin (3 – 2 – 0) vs. [*] Ronald Carillo (1 – 1 – 0)