Can you name the Strikeforce middleweight champion? If so, congratulations. I guarantee you the casual MMA fan has never heard the name Luke Rockhold. Rockhold took to the MMA scene in 2007 when a few of his friends convinced him to come down and train with them at American Kickboxing Academy in California.
When asked to describe Jon Fitch's fighting style, one word keeps coming up – grinder. A guy that will wear you down with sheer will to get the upper hand and keep it. The skills are there, but almost overshadowed by the grit and determination that is more his calling card. The label also applies to a hockey player with similar grit, what the old-time hockey folks called “lunch bucket” players. The ones that weren't concerned with the flashy plays, but went out there put out their best honest effort and won the battles in workmanlike fashion. “The guys in the trenches” as Don Cherry would say.
While down in Vegas, MMASucka's Nick King had the chance to chill out with Gray Maynard. Following a night with Morency's Sports Rage, Gray sat down to do a very relaxed interview. He hints at training at AKA while on vacation to the Bay area.
When you are away from your job for an extended period of time, you are either not looking forward to going back or excited to go back. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal fits the latter.
The former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion returns to the cage this coming Saturday night as faces Roger Gracie at Strikeforce: Barnett vs Kharitonov live on Showtime at 10:30ET.
