Luke Rockhold retains Strikeforce middleweight title, defeats Tim Kennedy via unanimous decision
Strikeforce middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold tonight picked up the second defence of his title in Portland, Oregon, defeating highly touted contender, Tim Kennedy via unanimous decision in the main event of the evening to prove why he’s considered one of the best in the world at 185 pounds.
Rockhold stalks the challenger around the cage early. Kennedy with a big right hand as the two men collide. Rockhold takes control against the fence and delivers a nice knee. Answered by Kennedy. The two men exchange again but Rockhold once again takes control in the clinch. Rockhold continues to go to the body with knees and punches. High kick from Kennedy is blocked. Right hand from Rockhold seems to hurt Kennedy but he decides to clinch instead of pouring it on. Kennedy reverses the situation and scores with a big takedown. Rockhold looks for a kimura off his back but Kennedy sneaks out and moves to side control. Kennedy looks to take the back as the champion turns but the two men wind up back on the feet. The two men exchange to end the round with Rockhold getting the better of it. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Rockhold.
Rockhold lands the head kick and uses Kennedy’s keenness to secure the clinch to take the fight to the ground and take the challengers back. Kennedy works his way back to his feet but looks unhappy with something. Nice combination from Rockhold lands. Big right from Rockhold before stuffing the attempted takedown. Front kick to the face by Rockhold. Kennedy looks for the takedown but Rockhold threatens with an arm-bar. Kennedy keeps the pressure on the champ up against the cage. Rockhold breaks free. Nice straight left from Rockhold, countered by a right from Kennedy. Rockhold with a head kick before stuffing the takedown. Right hand from Kennedy lands. The two exchange kicks. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Rockhold.
Rockhold looks to land the right but Kennedy ducks under and attempts a takedown. Rockhold stuffs it but is pinned on the fence. Low blow from Kennedy with the knee but at the same time the referee warms Rockhold not to grab the fence again or he’ll take a point. Side kick from Kennedy. Nice right from Rockhold lands. Kennedy throws the side kick again before ducking under Rockhold’s right hand and looking for the takedown. Head kick from Kennedy lands. Nice left hand lands from Rockhold. Low kick from Kennedy before tying the champion up. Kennedy takes the champions back as the fight hits the ground. Rockhold spins and recovers his guard but as he stands he gives up his back again. Rockhold stands but Kennedy stays on him with a body lock as he looks to drag the fight back to the ground. The two separate. Both men pushes forward with strikes to end the round. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Rockhold.
Kennedy throws a couple of uppercuts to begin the fourth round. Low kick from Kennedy lands. Kennedy shoots in but it’s stuffed easily. Nice combination from Rockhold. Side kick from Kennedy lands as Rockhold stalks the challenger. Body shot from Rockhold lands hard. Body kick from Rockhold knocks Kennedy back to the fence. Rockhold continues to stalk and land at will. Rockhold drops Kennedy with a right hook before looking to finish the fight. Kennedy gets his leg up and creates enough space to recover his senses. Guillotine attempt by Kennedy but Rockhold regains his feet. The striking battle continues. Right hand from Kennedy before pinning the champion on the fence. Rockhold turns things around before trying to drag the fight to the ground. Rockhold gives up his own back but manages to reverse the situation and winds up on Kennedy’s back to end the round. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Rockhold.
Nice combination from Rockhold before stuffing the takedown. Kennedy takes control up against the cage. Straight left hand from Rockhold lands. Kennedy looks again for the takedown but he can’t complete it. Rockhold reverses the situation and the two scramble back to the feet. Rockhold scores with a takedown and almost takes his opponents back. Rockhold with a knee to the body on the way up. Kennedy again looks for the takedown but Rockhold has looked good with his defence all night. The two clinch and exchange blows on the inside. Good end to the fight. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Rockhold.
The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, 49-46 in favour of Rockhold.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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Photo by Esther Lin – STRIKEFORCE
