Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov
Encyclopedia
Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov was a mixed martial arts
event held by Strikeforce
that served as the Heavyweight Tournament semifinals. The event aired live on Showtime. The event took place on September 10, 2011 at U.S. Bank Arena
in Cincinnati, Ohio
.
were rumored to meet at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
, but the bout was moved to this card.
Alistair Overeem
was expected to face Antonio Silva
in the semifinals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. However, on July 18 it was announced that Overeem refused to compete at this event; claiming that a toe injury would prevent him from being ready in time. Alistair Overeem
was subsequently removed from the tournament and released by the company, he was replaced by Daniel Cormier
.
Gegard Mousasi
was originally scheduled to face Mike Kyle
. It was announced, however, on July 19, 2011 that Strikeforce newcomer Marcos Rogerio de Lima would be taking the bout.
Josh Thomson
was scheduled to take on Maximo Blanco
. However, on August 23, it was announced Thomson had to withdraw from the bout due to a foot injury. Pat Healy
stepped in as Thomson's replacement.
On August 23, 2011, it was announced that the preliminary card for this show would air live on HDNet
.
** = Replacement
The salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
event held by Strikeforce
Strikeforce
Strikeforce is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization based in San Jose, California. It is headed by CEO Scott Coker and owned by Zuffa, LLC...
that served as the Heavyweight Tournament semifinals. The event aired live on Showtime. The event took place on September 10, 2011 at U.S. Bank Arena
U.S. Bank Arena
U.S. Bank Arena is an indoor arena, located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, along the banks of the Ohio River, next to the Great American Ball Park. Completed in September 1975, the arena seats 17,556 people...
in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
.
Background
Ronaldo Souza and Luke RockholdLuke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold is an American mixed martial artist. He is the current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion.Rockhold holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Dave Camarillo.-Early Life:...
were rumored to meet at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
Strikeforce / M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce. The event took place on July 30, 2011 at Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.-Background:...
, but the bout was moved to this card.
Alistair Overeem
Alistair Overeem
Alistair Cees Overeem is a British born Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer, signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Interim Heavyweight Champion, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, and made history by being the only fighter in combat...
was expected to face Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva (fighter)
Antonio Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He initially fought in the super heavyweight division, but currently competes in the heavyweight weight class. He is the first and last EliteXC heavyweight champion...
in the semifinals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. However, on July 18 it was announced that Overeem refused to compete at this event; claiming that a toe injury would prevent him from being ready in time. Alistair Overeem
Alistair Overeem
Alistair Cees Overeem is a British born Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer, signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Interim Heavyweight Champion, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, and made history by being the only fighter in combat...
was subsequently removed from the tournament and released by the company, he was replaced by Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier is an undefeated American mixed martial artist and a former Olympic wrestler. He is currently signed to Strikeforce, fighting in the heavyweight division...
.
Gegard Mousasi
Gegard Mousasi
Gegard Mousasi, born Geghard Movsesian is an Armenian-Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is fighting out of Team Jurojin in Leiden, Netherlands and is a member of Russian Red Devil Sport Club and Netherlands' Golden Glory...
was originally scheduled to face Mike Kyle
Mike Kyle
Mike Kyle is an American mixed martial artist who competes as a light heavyweight and heavyweight. He fights primarily for Strikeforce and King of the Cage. He is the King of the Cage Light Heavyweight champion...
. It was announced, however, on July 19, 2011 that Strikeforce newcomer Marcos Rogerio de Lima would be taking the bout.
Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson
Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...
was scheduled to take on Maximo Blanco
Maximo Blanco
Maximo Blanco is a Venezuelan mixed martial artist and former lightweight King Of Pancrase who has competed for World Victory Road. Blanco holds notable wins over brothers Seigo Inoue and Katsuya Inoue.-Early life:...
. However, on August 23, it was announced Thomson had to withdraw from the bout due to a foot injury. Pat Healy
Pat Healy (fighter)
Patrick Healy is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Currently, Healy is signed with Strikeforce, holding a 4–1 record inside the promotion...
stepped in as Thomson's replacement.
On August 23, 2011, it was announced that the preliminary card for this show would air live on HDNet
HDNet
HDNet is a men's interest television channel in the United States, broadcasting exclusively in high-definition format and available via cable and satellite television...
.
Main card (Showtime)
- Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal bout:
Josh BarnettJosh BarnettJoshua Lawrence Barnett is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler who currently fights in the heavyweight division of Strikeforce. Barnett has been an accomplished fighter in mixed martial arts, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship and the King of Pancrase Openweight...
vs.
Sergei Kharitonov
- Barnett defeated Kharitonov via submission (arm triangle choke) at 4:28 of round 1.
- Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal bout: Daniel CormierDaniel CormierDaniel Cormier is an undefeated American mixed martial artist and a former Olympic wrestler. He is currently signed to Strikeforce, fighting in the heavyweight division...
vs.
Antonio SilvaAntonio Silva (fighter)Antonio Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He initially fought in the super heavyweight division, but currently competes in the heavyweight weight class. He is the first and last EliteXC heavyweight champion...
- Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal bout:
- Cormier defeated Silva via KO (punches) at 3:56 of round 1.
- Middleweight Championship bout: Ronaldo Souza (c) vs. Luke RockholdLuke RockholdLuke Rockhold is an American mixed martial artist. He is the current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion.Rockhold holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Dave Camarillo.-Early Life:...
- Middleweight Championship bout:
- Rockhold defeated Souza via unanimous decision (50–45, 48–47, 48–47) to win the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship.
- Light Heavyweight bout: Muhammed LawalMuhammed Lawal|-| Win|align=center| 8–1| Roger Gracie| KO | Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov| |align=center| 1|align=center| 4:37|Cincinnati, Ohio, United States|||-| Loss|align=center| 7–1| Rafael Cavalcante| TKO...
vs. Roger GracieRoger GracieRoger Gracie Gomes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist. Roger was awarded his black belt by his cousin Renzo Gracie at the behest of Carlos Gracie, Jr. whilst training in New York in 2003. He is currently a second degree black belt...
- Light Heavyweight bout:
- Lawal defeated Gracie via KO (punch) at 4:33 of round 1.
- Lightweight bout: Pat HealyPat Healy (fighter)Patrick Healy is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Currently, Healy is signed with Strikeforce, holding a 4–1 record inside the promotion...
vs.
Maximo BlancoMaximo BlancoMaximo Blanco is a Venezuelan mixed martial artist and former lightweight King Of Pancrase who has competed for World Victory Road. Blanco holds notable wins over brothers Seigo Inoue and Katsuya Inoue.-Early life:...
- Lightweight bout:
- Healy defeated Blanco via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:27 of round 2.
Preliminary card (HDNet)
- Light Heavyweight bout: Mike KyleMike KyleMike Kyle is an American mixed martial artist who competes as a light heavyweight and heavyweight. He fights primarily for Strikeforce and King of the Cage. He is the King of the Cage Light Heavyweight champion...
vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Kyle defeated de Lima via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27).
- Light Heavyweight bout: Rafael CavalcanteRafael CavalcanteRafael Cavalcante is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division. He trains with Anderson Silva and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira as part of the Black House camp. He currently competes in Strikeforce, where he is the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion...
vs.
Yoel Romero Palacio
- Light Heavyweight bout:
- Cavalcante defeated Romero via KO (punches) at 4:51 in round 2.
- Welterweight bout: Evangelista SantosEvangelista SantosEvangelista Santos is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who is a member of the famous Chute Boxe Academy. He has fought in Strikeforce, Pride Fighting Championship, Cage Rage, International Vale Tudo Championships and Pancrase. He is currently fighting for World Victory Road and Strikeforce...
vs.
Jordan MeinJordan MeinJordan Mein is a Canadian professional mixed martial arts fighter. He has previously fought for King of the Cage.-Background:Jordan's father, Lee Mein, began operating a local promotion called Rumble in the Cage. It gave Jordan his first fighting opportunity and when he was just 11 years old he...
- Welterweight bout:
- Mein defeated Santos via TKO (elbows) at 3:18 of round 3.
- Women's Bantamweight bout: Alexis DavisAlexis Davis (MMA)Alexis Davis is a Canadian professional female mixed martial artist. She is a black belt in Japanese Jujutsu and a 2-stripe brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royler Gracie and David Adiv...
vs. Amanda NunesAmanda NunesAmanda Nunes is a Brazilian female mixed martial artist. She is currently signed to Strikeforce and competes at both 135 and 145 pounds...
- Women's Bantamweight bout:
- Davis defeated Nunes via TKO (punches) at 4:53 of round 2.
- Middleweight bout: Dominique Steele vs. Chris Mierzwiak
- Middleweight bout:
- Steele defeated Mierzwiak via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–27, 29–27).
Heavyweight Grand Prix Bracket
Reported Payout
The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Ohio Athletic Commission.- Josh Barnett: $150,000 (no win bonus) def. Sergei Kharitonov: $100,000
- Daniel Cormier: $100,000 ($50,000 win bonus) def. Antonio Silva: $100,000
- Luke Rockhold: $50,000 ($25,000 win bonus) def. Ronaldo Souza: $70,000
- Muhammed Lawal: $85,000 (no win bonus) def. Roger Gracie: $80,000
- Pat Healy: $17,500 ($5,000 win bonus) def. Maximo Blanco: $13,000
- Mike Kyle: $44,000 ($22,000 win bonus) def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima: $5,000
- Rafael Calvacante: $60,000 ($30,000 win bonus) def. Yoel Romero: $10,000
- Jordan Mein: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) def. Evangelista Santos: $20,000
- Alexis Davis: $6,000 ($3,000 win bonus) def. Amanda Nunes: $7,500
- Dominique Steel: $5,000 ($3,000 win bonus) def. Chris Mierzwiak: $3,000
The salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.