All fighters on weight for Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields

by Matt Bishop on Jun 5, 2009 8:53 PM EDT in News Comment 6 comments

Andrei Arlovski

ST. LOUIS -- It was a festive atmosphere Friday afternoon at Al Hrabosky's Ballpark Saloon as all fighters for Strikeforce's "Lawler vs. Shields" card made weight.

Main event competitors Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields, two former EliteXC champions, looked to have no trouble making the 182-pound limit, with Shields coming in at 181.75 and Lawler a pound more.

The two engaged in an intense staredown after. While separated by a few feet, neither fighter wanted to give ground, continually staring holes through each other. It was Shields who walked away first, all while keeping his eye on Lawler. It certainly helped build animosity between the two.

Heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Brett Rogers were respectful toward one another. Rogers came in at 263 pounds while Arlovski took the scale with all but his shirt in and came in at 244.

Nick Diaz was up to his usual tricks, flipping off a heckling member of the crowd while undressing. He came in at 179 pounds for his 180 pound fight with Scott Smith (179.5 pounds).

Phil Baroni was in rare form, as well, strutting to the scale in a white robe and sunglasses. He weighed in at 168.75. His opponent, Joe Riggs, came in at 170 pounds, but didn't look nearly as good as Baroni. Most of Baroni's anger at the weigh-in was directed at an employee who asked him to line up for pictures. He had a few choice words and played to the crowd.

Kevin Randleman looked excited to return to action for the first time in 13 months, jumping up and down on the stage. He took the microphone from emcee Jimmy Lennon Jr. and thanked the crowd for their support, the only fighter to take the mic to do so. His opponent, Mike Whitehead, was the final fighter to weigh in following some paperwork issues.

The main card will air live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

More coverage:

MMAForReal.com/Lights Out Radio Strikeforce Weigh-in Photo Gallery

Exclusive interview with Mark Coleman

Exclusive interview with Mauro Ranallo

Lights Out Radio - Strikeforce Preview

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The weigh-in results are as follows:

Preliminary bouts

Booker DeRousse (204.25 lbs) vs. James Wade (205.25 lbs)
Pat Benson (155.75 lbs) vs. Dave Cochran (153 lbs)
Lucas Lopes (186 lbs) vs. Scott Ventimiglia (185 lbs)
Tyron Woodley (170.5 lbs) vs. Sal Woods (169.75 lbs )
Josh Bumgarner (173.5 lbs) vs. Jesse Finney (175. 75 lbs)
Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (205.5 lbs) vs. Mike Kyle (202.5 lbs)

Main card (SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/PT)

Kevin Randleman (204 lbs) vs. Mike Whitehead (206 lbs)

Phil Baroni (168.75 lbs) vs. Joe Riggs (170 lbs)

Nick Diaz (179 lbs) vs. Scott Smith (179.5 lbs)

Andrei Arlovski (244 lbs) vs. Brett Rogers (262 lbs)

Robbie Lawler (182.75 lbs) vs. Jake Shields (181.75 lbs)

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Very dope stuff Matt…

http://www.mmaforreal.com

by Kelvin Hunt on Jun 5, 2009 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I know Arlovski is trying to gain weight but the dude looks fat compared to his former self. Increase in bodyfat is never a good thing.

I think he has sights set on his boxing debut and is taking Rogers lightly.

by cauliflower_ears on Jun 6, 2009 7:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think andre looks fine in these pics. he’s only 4 pounds heavier than when he fought fedor. he did take this fight on very short notice as did rogers. i agree that it’s not a good idea for hw’s to gain weight and it turn out to be fat like werdum did and weigh like 15-20 lbs heavier than ever before. i didn’t see all that much size difference with him and rogers, not like with sylvia who seemed to always dwarf a.a., more like ben rothwell, who was just a little taller and little fatter. thats who i compare rogers to, alittle slower, but a little stronger rothwell. ive seen all his fights with elite and strike force, and he never ko’s someone with just 1 punch, which is what some are giving him credit for, 1 punch ko power, he uses his size and strength to overwhelm fighters, fighters that do not have near the experience of arlovski or the talent. i guess it’s pretty easy to tell who i like in this fight, and i don’t think since joining freddie roach, that andfre will be taking anyone lightly anymore. i think he’s got andre in the right frame of mind permanantly. nick diaz also looked like he is filling out nicely at 180. he looked kinda ripped and maybee a move to mw would be the answer for him. it worked out nicely for lawler. and sherdog is full of crap listing both diaz and smith at 6’. diaz looks at least 2 inches taller than smith unless it was the angle or diaz’s hair. diaz did look a little funny in those bikini underwear, but i wouldn’t say that to his face. y’all have fun live bloggin.

by bdw on Jun 6, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs