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[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Roger Gracie slated for May 15 Strikeforce event, could meet Kevin Randleman
by Steven Marrocco on Mar 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm ET
Roger Gracie (2-0 MMA, 0-0 SF), a 2005 ADCC champion, finally is set to make his Strikeforce debut on May 15.

Sources close to the event told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman (17-14 MMA, 0-1 SF) is the leading candidate to face the grappling ace at the as-yet-unannounced show, which is likely to be hosted by the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., and air live on Showtime.

Randleman, however, is not confirmed as an opponent, and PRIDE and UFC veteran Rameau Thierry Sokodjou (7-6 MMA, 0-1 SF) is also under consideration should the original matchup fizzle.

Gracie, a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Carlos Gracie Jr., announced he had signed with Strikeforce this past December at "Strikeforce: Evolution," though his promotional debut was rumored and did not materialize on two fall 2009 cards.

Gracie, 32, is one of the most decorated grapplers to transition into MMA and made his fighting debut in December 2006 with a submission victory over Ron Waterman. He has appeared only once since then and posted a submission victory over Japanese veteran Yuki Kondo in May 2008 at World Victory Road's Sengoku Second Battle.

Randleman returned to active competition in May 2008 after a year-plus layoff due to injuries and personal problems. He fell short in his two most recent appearances: a unanimous-decision loss to Mike Whitehead this past June at "Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields" and a split0decision loss to Stanislav Nedkov at Sengoku 11th Battle this past November.

Sokodjou, meanwhile, is also on a two-fight slide with TKO losses to Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi (in a non-title fight) at at "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers" and Ikuhisa Minowa at "K-1 Dynamite!! 2009."

The May 15 Strikeforce event is expected to feature the return of Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem as he takes on the hard-hitting Brett Rogers. Another heavyweight match-up pitting Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is also expected for the card.

Gracie’s debut is slated for the televised portion of the May 15 event

Roger Gracie slated for May 15 Strikeforce event, could meet Kevin Randleman | MMAjunkie.com

Don't be deterred by Rolles' shitty UFC bout, Roger is a fucking phenom in the BJJ world and is a hot prospect.

[TheKidInside]

yeah I've seen Roger's footage but I saw Rolles' also LOL. I'd be rooting for Kevin Randleman anyway!

[TBEAR]

Are they trying to use all of thier HW in one card? That does not make since to me. AO, AA, Big foot, Roger, and Brett.

Bad move IMO the only HW they have left is werdum and Fedor. So, I guess that match is made huh

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Fedor/Werdum
Rogers/Overeem
Arlovski/Bigfoot
Randleman/Gracie
and maybe Del Rosario/Lashley would be an awesome night of HW action.

[Xanatos]

whatever, it's strikeforce, let them do whatever they want. It's the only way I'll be watching their cards is if they keep having huge stacked free events. Otherwise I won't bother really. Just watch the highlights.

[Harlem]

It's close to impossible for Roger to lose to a deteriorating Randleman. Rolles wouldnt even lose to him IMO.

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Originally Posted by Harlem

It's close to impossible for Roger to lose to a deteriorating Randleman. Rolles wouldnt even lose to him IMO.

I wouldn't got that far. Randleman didn't look too horrible against Whitehead and while isn't "Monster-like" anymore, still has some tools of value.

I'm also hearing that it'll be Randleman OR Soko as of now. IMO, I think Soko'd be the bigger challenge.

[Mirko45]

Originally Posted by Fedorlei Gomipierre

I wouldn't got that far. Randleman didn't look too horrible against Whitehead and while isn't "Monster-like" anymore, still has some tools of value.

I'm also hearing that it'll be Randleman OR Soko as of now. IMO, I think Soko'd be the bigger challenge.

Seriously? Neither of them would get past the first round against Roger imo

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

I think Soko, while not as great, or even as good as the "hype" from long ago, has some solid striking and judo in his pocket to at least TRY and stay off the ground. I'm not too sure how Roger's striking is, but I'd wager that he'll be tenative to exchange too much considering his bjj pedigree. Randleman'll try and GNP him and get subbed, but Soko's got decent balance and could potentially keep it on the feet for a little bit at least.

[Xanatos]

I also think Soko could do well against Roger. his striking is good, just not consistent.