Up-and-coming Strikeforce welterweight fighterLuke Stewart (5-1) will look to rebound from the first loss of his career when he takes on “Ultimate Fighter 4″ alum and mixed martial arts veteran, Shonie Carter (39-17-7), at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on on June 27, according to a recent MySpace.com bulletin.
Perhaps best known for his spinning backfist knockout win against former champ Matt Serra seven years ago, Carter has since made his name a recognizable one in this business.
His 63 career professional fights prove that he is a true fighter, despite coming off as more of a showman at times. The list of names he’s fought against include Jon Fitch, Matt Serra, Pat Miletich, Dave Menne, Nate Marquardt, Chris Lytle, Karo Parysian, Marcus Davis, Jason McDonald and more.
He’s a true journeyman.
Stewart, on the other hand, is just beginning his journey. This will be his seventh professional mixed martial arts fight — all with the San Jose, Calif.-based Strikeforce promotion. He suffered the first set back of his young career this past March at Strikeforce: “Shamrock vs. Le” at the hands of Tiki Ghosn.
One of the most important things in a young fighters progression is how he handles his first loss and how he performs his next time out.
This is that test for Luke Stewart.
He’s a black belt under Ralph Gracie and spends a lot of time training with guys like Nick Diaz and Jake Shields. He’s a very confident — and coming off his first loss — he’s going to be very dangerous.
This should be a solid addition to this event, which is scheduled to air on HDNet. Check out the developing card after the jump.
Main Event:
Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez vs. Josh “The Punk” Thompson
Main Card:
Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Bobby Southworth vs. Anthony Ruiz
Nam Pham vs. Billy Evangelista
Luke Stewart vs. Shonie Carter
19 Comments »
The main event looks to be strong. I may check this one out. The EliteXC fiasco has me scared of everything non UFC.
YO, what channel will this event be aired on? NBC?
Showtime
REALLY??? In the article above it says “This should be a solid addition to this event, which is scheduled to air on HDNet. Check out the developing card after the jump.”
I hope its on Showtime…
I just want to see El Nino defend his title, other then that…not too interested!
melendez vs thompson is a real mma fight and a great match-up as well. they should have had this fight on the 1rst show.
I am a HUGE fan of all the ceaser gracie fighters: Jake, Gil, Nick and Nate..
I really enjoy watching El nino fight. Thomson is a very formidable opponent. This will be a great, competitive fight….I hAve to give the nod to Gilbert!
WAR EL NINO!!!!
Strike force is under the pro-elite umbrella as is Cage Rage and Elite XC and they are all under the GARY SHAW rule.
refuse to tune in to anything that is under the pro-elite banner.
Pro-Elite is the poison that has tarnished mma’s reputation and spatt on the eforts of all who have worked to bring it where it is.
The words “Light Heavyweight Champion” and “Bobby Southworth ” make me laugh
How did he get that belt anyway? I’m guessing they just gave it to him because he was the first LHW they landed. lol
Pretty sure it was given to him.
wow, Shonie is supposed to be in Toronto the weekend before that for the MMA Expo – hope this means he’s still coming…gotta look into that…great match up though – Luke’s tough as nails…cheers
Shonie’s got no business in a cage anymore. With his old funky ass speedos.
I disagree. At this point in his career I see Shonie as a true test for young up and comers. He is a solid “gatekeeper.”
Although his speedos are funky looking and weird…hahahahaha
win or lose he is fun to watch.
Come on! Imagine his opponent getting put in a triangle! Thats just nasty. Next hes gona want to fight in a g-string.
LMAO. Gross.
Any fight brand that has pro elite as a partener is a Sham. thanks but no thanks.
I’m guessing Shonie will throw 3 spinning back fists in this fight. If Stewart can dodge those, he’ll probably be okay.