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[Sakara=Excitement]

Scott Smith vs. Cung Le II possible, but not official, for "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum" | MMAjunkie.com

A rematch between Strikeforce middleweight contenders Scott Smith (17-6 MMA, 3-1 SF) and Cung Le (6-1 MMA, 6-1 SF) is possible for a June 26 event in San Jose, Calif.

However, though the fight has been widely reported, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) on Sunday the bout has not been signed and the fight is not official.

Le first discussed the likelihood of the rematch in March but wasn't sure of an exact date. MMAFighting.com reported the June 26 target date over the weekend.

As MMAjunkie.com reported earlier this month, Strikeforce recently reserved the June 26 date for an event at the HP Pavilion in Strikeforce's California home of San Jose. Although not officially set – and though dependent upon Strikeforce and M-1's ongoing talks – the event likely will include the return of top-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko in a long-rumored bout with Fabricio Werdum.

The event is expected to air on Showtime. If booked, Smith vs. Le II also would be part of the televised main card.

The two fighters first met in December at "Strikeforce: Evolution." In his first fight following a 21-month layoff due to movie roles and the relinquishing of his middle belt, Le dominated the former UFC fighter and multiple times was on the verge of a TKO victory. However, late in the third round after throwing caution to the wind, Smith connected on a left hook to set up the knockout victory.

The loss snapped Le's six-fight MMA win streak and marked the San Shou kickboxer's first professional loss in either MMA or kickboxing. All six of his MMA wins had come via TKO, which included a March 2008 win over Frank Shamrock for the title.

Smith, meanwhile, has now won three of his past four fights, all in Strikeforce. Like Le, "The Ultimate Fighter 4" cast member and former EliteXC middleweight contender hasn't fought since that December bout.

A victory for either could set up a potential fight with current champ Jake Shields.

When I talk about horrible match making on Strikeforces part, see the above. Scott Smith was owned until he hit that Doug Flutie hail mary in the 3rd round. A re-match completely negates what Scott Smith did. Horrible. They might as well set up Lawler vs Manhoef 2 now as well. It seem like Strikeforce has their "guys" and shit on everyone else. Thier "guy" being Cung Le. Scott Smith isn't the guy they helped promote and he isn't the guy who was their champ.

[macewen]

lol...with this kind of match making, and just the way sf has been lately, i dont see them lasting, maybe they will make it until 2011...maybe

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by Sakara=Excitement

Scott Smith vs. Cung Le II possible, but not official, for "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum" | MMAjunkie.com



When I talk about horrible match making on Strikeforces part, see the above. Scott Smith was owned until he hit that Doug Flutie hail mary in the 3rd round. A re-match completely negates what Scott Smith did. Horrible. They might as well set up Lawler vs Manhoef 2 now as well. It seem like Strikeforce has their "guys" and shit on everyone else. Thier "guy" being Cung Le. Scott Smith isn't the guy they helped promote and he isn't the guy who was their champ.

I disagree with this thread so much I created an account just to argue with you.

Cung-Le vs Scott Smith is THE best fight I've seen this year. I would kill to see them fight again. A rematch is a great idea for both fighters because the first fight got a lot of good press and it will attract them new fans. I expect Lee will come away with the win this time but Scott "The comeback Kid" Smith has had three late round knockout come from behind wins in the last two years.

P.S. Chael Sonnen sucks. I hated Anderson Silvas clowning more than anyone. I honestly hope they cripple each other. Wouldn't bother me a bit!

[gotblood?]

I'd have to disagree as well Sakara. This fight sells. Simple as that. I know the recent Dana interview is fresh in your head(as it is mine), but this fight is different.

The fight was simply a great fight, period.

As for Lawler and Manhoef, I was one of the few that read Robbie's interviews where he STATED he was willing to take some kicks to land the big left hand. He knew that Melvin always kept his hands down on a leg kick. Far as I'm concerned, a rematch between those two wouldn't turn out any differently. He had a game plan, stuck to it(his legs paid for it), and it worked.

The Le/Smith fight was quite different in that Smith HAD NO gameplan, has the head movement of a giraffe, and was lucky. Nothing lucky about Robbie's punch.

[QOTSA420]

This is so lame, they are pretty much trying to steal back one of Smith's biggest career wins just to help Le's image. I hope Scott wins by a goggapalata or something biazarre just to throw it in everyones face. Scott is a more reliable company man who won't bail to Hollywood and should be the one rewarded.

[jaljn]

Originally Posted by pastuch

I disagree with this thread so much I created an account just to argue with you.

Cung-Le vs Scott Smith is THE best fight I've seen this year. I would kill to see them fight again. A rematch is a great idea for both fighters because the first fight got a lot of good press and it will attract them new fans. I expect Lee will come away with the win this time but Scott "The comeback Kid" Smith has had three late round knockout come from behind wins in the last two years.

P.S. Chael Sonnen sucks. I hated Anderson Silvas clowning more than anyone. I honestly hope they cripple each other. Wouldn't bother me a bit!

I love that you created an account because you were so pissed lol.
I agree, i think most people would have Le as the strong favourite even though he lost last time but this fight will be entertaining - no doubt in my mind. and i'll definitely be watching.

[penndawg]

i fail to see how it's any different then ufc giving penn an immediate rematch

[QOTSA420]

Originally Posted by penndawg

i fail to see how it's any different then ufc giving penn an immediate rematch

Least that fight was highly disputable.

[nezlam1]

Originally Posted by penndawg

i fail to see how it's any different then ufc giving penn an immediate rematch

Because its easy to bash SF right now.

[Sakara=Excitement]

So the reason that this rematch is a good idea is because it will be an exciting fight? Riiight. Look, Cung Le is one of Strikeforce's guys. Always has been and always will be. Scott Smith was brought in because his style is exciting to fans. He takes punishment and likes to bang. But he wasn't supposed to win, that's for sure. He threw a hail mary, landed and won. The fight wasn't close on any accounts. I had Le winning all rounds with one round being 10-8. It's a fight gifted to Le to win again and have the fans happy. But instead of tarnishing the great comeback of Scott Smith, have him fight Lawler or Manhoef and the same for Cung Le. Those are STILL EXCITING fights but you don't have to ignore what happened.