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Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:12 am EST

'Mayhem' clad in chinchilla, Fedor's face doesn't move and other images and notes from Strikeforce open workouts

By Maggie Hendricks

See that face that Fedor Emelianenko is making? That was the only face that he made the whole day. It's quite clear that Fedor is done with all of the build-up to this Saturday's bout with Brett Rogers, and just wants to fight.

While Fedor was keeping his visage stoic, Jason "Mayhem" Miller was enjoying every second of the media attention. While wearing a chinchilla coat, he spoke with Cagewriter.

"I'm feeling AWESOME, backslash, dotcom, I'm about to kick some ass," Miller said. He is looking forward to his bout for the middleweight title with Jake Shields, and is confident that he will win.

"I'm a better kickboxer, and I'm going to show that on Saturday night. And, on the ground, though I believe he's an excellent grappler, I believe I know a couple of moves on the ground. He's not going to finish me there. I don't see how he beats me. I'm going to show that to everyone."

And to the rumors that Shields will take over Miller's hosting duties on MTV's "Bully Beatdown"?

"I think he's just insecure about this fight, so he's trying to get in my head. Guess what?!? I'm the one who plays the mind games. Not him. And I'm totally not worried about a guy who can't string together a sentence taking over my job on 'Bully Beatdown.' Mario Lopez? OK, maybe I'll be a little nervous. But Jake Shields? Not so much."

Miller and Strikeforce light heavyweight Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal put on a pro wrestling exhibition during the workout.

And yes, Miller continued to wear his chinchilla coat throughout the "workout."

Strikeforce TV analyst and fighter Frank Shamrock said that he hopes to return to action in February. Since his last fight, a loss to Nick Diaz, he's been enjoying being a dad to his 18-month-old daughter.

"My theory was that if I taught her patty cake, we could translate that into pad work. She can patty cake, and the punches come next."

Of course, we've already told you about the craziest part of the day. Mr. T was standing out on the street near POW Kickboxing, where the open workouts were held. He lives in the neighborhood, and was kind enough to pose for pictures with King Mo, trainer Ryan Parsons and Strikeforce fighter Daniel Cormier.

Afterwards, Mr. T gave the line of the day:

"I pity the fools that fight you guys."

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44 Comments

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  1. JJ
    1. Posted by JJ Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:30 am EST

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    Mo likes showing off his bling in pictures. I also noticed him wearing it in the ring. Not seen but a few fights from Mo. Anybody know how old he is?
  2. Rob R
    2. Posted by Rob R Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:37 am EST

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    Mo's only about 28. Nice soundbites from Miller.
    So it seems like a lot of guys are doing their open workouts at the same gym at the same time. Did they set up two separate sessions so that opponents aren't there at the same time?
  3. Allen
    3. Posted by Allen Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:08 pm EST

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    Miller and Mo look like 2 Chi Town Hustlers fighting for the right of eminent domain.
    And you have to love Mayhem's confidence. I hope he backs it up, or Mario just might be on the Beatdown.
    And I have to ask, what's with Fedor's expression?
    Is he deciding on Tuna or the Turkey Club for lunch? Or is he contemplating what sweater to wear for tomorrow's press conference?
    I know cheap shot, sorry I couldn't resist.
    Thanks for the SF blog, hopefully there's lots more to come?
  4. ryan w
    4. Posted by ryan w Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:30 pm EST

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    miller is a primadonna who runs his mouth. he goes on tv and fights highschool kids.... what a loser. i hope gets his ass beat.
  5. zachrhoads09
    5. Posted by zachrhoads09 Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:37 pm EST

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    i like mayehm. always have. I think hes a tough guy, def. funny. But i dont see him beating shields. id say a ud for mr. jake shields.
  6. Instant Money
    6. Posted by Instant Money Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:41 pm EST

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    And that's Fedor's happy face.
  7. jayyolf1
    7. Posted by jayyolf1 Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:03 pm EST

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    Nice, another good strikeforce article Maggie!!! Thanks!
  8. Monkey Cheese
    8. Posted by Monkey Cheese Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:12 pm EST

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    This is definately the best card in a long, long time. Strikeforce has a great opportunity here, especially after the last few snoozefests the ufc has put on.
  9. tdube09
    9. Posted by tdube09 Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:29 pm EST

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    i think this card is far better than anything the ufc has put out since 100.
  10. Allen
    10. Posted by Allen Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:31 pm EST

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    Is it just me or does Fedor look like a Russian version of Charlie Brown?
  11. Allen
    11. Posted by Allen Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:56 pm EST

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    Td, sure this card is better then anything the UFC has put out since 100.
    Much like the celebration of UFC 100, this is Strikeforce's big breakout in MMA.
    A national audience. The greatest HW in the world, and maybe even the greatest LHW in the world.
    They are center stage poised for their showing the world that there is more than the UFC in America for MMA.
    But let me ask you this.
    The UFC can put out a PPV 4-6 times a year. Yes some will suck, but what will SF do when they have to go for this kind of center stage again?
    Are they just going to put Fedor on the front lines? Gerard? Then who? After this card the luster will be off the pearl. The shine off the diamond. The smell off the rose. Well you get the picture.
    Personally I think the WEC has a deeper set of fighters then SF, and they have always put on a great show. And thankfully it is on VS so I can watch them.
    So there's no reason to bash the UFC for their lack of what you call great PPVs, they will not match up to 100, or this SF card, but where is SF going to go after this card?
  12. Allen
    12. Posted by Allen Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:57 pm EST

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    And oh yea, if Fedor loses Saturday, what will SF do then?
  13. Brandon
    13. Posted by Brandon Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:10 pm EST

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    ryan w, you're a tard... Miller has been in the game over 10 years & is a great fighter. Plus he doesn't "fight" highschool kids... He's the host of the show... Ever seen it?
  14. NewYork
    14. Posted by NewYork Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:08 pm EST

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    I know a lot of newer fans (ryan w) know Miller from his VERY short lived stint with the UFC, or from Bully Beatdown, But I think they would be pretty impressed if they saw some of his earlier fights in Hawaii, etc. He’s been around along time, and he’s actually a talented fighter.
  15. bjbigmouth60
    15. Posted by bjbigmouth60 Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:15 pm EST

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    Maggie that picture of Mo and Miller is the next C.A.C.
  16. heck0101
    16. Posted by heck0101 Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:17 pm EST

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    Good one Allen....The Russian Charlie Brown.
    Fedor "The Blockhead" Emelianenko
  17. JJ
    17. Posted by JJ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:52 pm EST

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    I know it was a while ago and Miller got owned but I think he may have went to the distance with GSP. I've seen some of his recent fight with Jacre (sp?) and he may be improving but I think Shields will do just fine grappling with him. And Shields' bjj is good enough not to get tapped out by MIller. I'd like to see Mo fight someone to see how he looks. I've seen a fight of his on Youtube but I forget who he was fighting. I think he may be fighting in December. Wonder if Hendo has made a decision on where his next fight will be. The UFC may need him now with all of the injuries to four of their champions. Hendo vs Marquardt would be a solid addition to one of the cards that may not have a championship bout (Cain vs. Nog?). It would also be interesting to see if he would go to SF and match up with someone like Mousasi at lhw or even Shields at mw. Shields would prefer to be at ww but him and Diaz are friends.
  18. swrestler
    18. Posted by swrestler Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:18 pm EST

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    I see Shields submitting Miller. If GSP was able to throw Miller around I don't see how Miller is going to keep it standing against Shields. Shields will go for the takedown, get it, and submit Miller. Probably RNC.
  19. tdube09
    19. Posted by tdube09 Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:18 pm EST

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    yeah i completely agree Allen. my only complaint with this card (and its not a complaint really more than me just wanting to see other fighters) is that Mousasi fighting again and his opponent. i would like to see StrikeForce try to build up some other fighters on national TV.
    Gegard already has made a name for himself and fighting soko seems to me like a lose lose. soko was real bad in the ufc (and I'm sure a lot of american fans still think he's garbage) and if moose loses to him IMO it would be a huge loss to SF. plus he just fought babalu and he could probably headline a SF card on his own (which would help with SF having quality cards more often)
  20. tdube09
    20. Posted by tdube09 Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:20 pm EST

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    and honestly i like fedor a lot but idc if he wins or loses. i will still watch every one of his fights unless he end up like Cro-Cop and can't come into his own in the cage.
    I'm jumping on the Mousasi Bandwagon
  21. Datsyuk
    21. Posted by Datsyuk Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:31 pm EST

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    Heh, I wonder, when Brett Rogers walks into the Sears Centre Arena, if he'll admit to his trainer "I used to change Tires at a Sears Centre that looked almost exactly like this."......Just Kidding
    This Strike Force Card needs a freakshow type fight, not so much as to move ticket sales or public interest outside of Chicago, but simply, because the City of Chicago and Bulls fans across the nation need to see Tank Abbott vs. John Salmons. 3for15, 7 Pts, 5 Turnovers, 1-3 from behind the arc, vs. Milwaukee? Still, hasnt shown one glimpse of hope, Scott Coker would do Bulls fans justice getting this one signed, quick Knockout for Tank, despite the Bulls company line, Salmons doesnt know how to defend..
    Should be interesting night regardless though, whenever theres a fight on, tell me the names of fighters and the general rules of engagement and you've got my eyes. I'll admittedly be seeing a few of these guys for the first time, so I'm looking forward to it. Saturday should be a fun evening based on the fights, and even if they cant get Tank Abbott, get Dennis Rodman instead, a reporter can attest hes got vicious kicks to the midsection. Rodman vs. Salmons, Salmons would still get KTFO'd, just as long as his name is announced at the Sears Center instead of at the United Center
  22. Steven W
    22. Posted by Steven W Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:17 pm EST

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    it's tough to imagine miller being submitted by shields, but i'd have to agree with the unanimous decision for jake. i mean i consider jacare a better grappler than shields, and he could control position but not sub him. maybe he's closer to jacare thank i think but hey how would i really know? i'm definitely rooting for miller, i've always liked the guy. you can only act that way if you're talented enough to back it up, and he's pretty good. can't really hold his loss to gsp against him, although he did get handled. i'd worry more about his semi-recent loss to trigg...but oddly enough i think trigg was hungrier in that fight than he was against koscheck more recently. it almost seemed as if frank conceded that loss before it happened. but anyway.....after this fight i'd still like to see miller finish up that trilogy with tim kennedy, and what about shields vs jacare? it'd be nice to see where those two stand.
  23. gohubb
    23. Posted by gohubb Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:10 pm EST

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    Nut you would get submitted in about 20 seconds
  24. Frank Buster Barns
    24. Posted by Frank Buster Barns Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:08 pm EST

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    Fedo will be making that face but with his eyes closed shut. Frank Trigg Sh!t kicked Jason Miller so he is far from championship material and Shields will destroy him and show him what those poor bullies go threw. Mo is fighting old washed up bums like Mark "Pill Bottle" Kerr so he better start fighting some real fights. StrikeFarts looks like it will be in for a shock with low ratings on CBs BroHawk by KTFO over Fedo....Blalaahlaalhallalah
  25. Ron H
    25. Posted by Ron H Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:43 pm EST

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    Allen, I have been saying that the last 3 weeks on these posts. This card is absolutely PHENOMINAL, however, kind of what happened to UFC after 100, the cards are going to take a huge hit after this. They will be back to the 1 good/decent fight and a bunch of so-so fights after this. I hope that they are not blowing there whole wad on this one and just setting themselves up for subpar show's after this. All in all they have some good quality fighters now, but prior to the pick up's of Fedor, King Mo, and Musasi I have seen almost all the SF cards on Showtime and was never really impressed with the quality of the cards as a whole. They always had 1 or 2 matches that I really wanted to see and then a bunch of no name or has been fighters going at it. They also had a bad habit of putting on 1 fight events to show on Showtime and that would just piss me off. I like to see at least 5 fights on a card, and I always hope to see a couple of the undercard fights. Regardless, this card is a win/win situation for any MMA fan this weekend.

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