TCD.net has learned of two matchups for the August 21 Strikeforce card (taking place here in Houston at the Toyota Center) that involve local Houston area fighters. Recent Houston transplant Adam Schindler will be squaring off against Bushi Ban’s Kierre Gooch. Schindler is coming of a stellar victory over a very tough Brian Melancon (Paradigm) at Bellator San Antonio; Gooche won his last fight by earning a controversial split decision against Kenny Burke (Westside MMA) at WGC in Pasadena.
When asked what went through his mind when he got the word that he’d be on the card, Schindler commented, “I was really excited after doing Bellator last month because I didn’t want to go backwards. The last couple of weeks have been a little crazy for me, so it was great news. He [Gooch] fought Daniel Pineda who I train with now, so that will help.â€
Gooch declined our request for a comment regarding the fights, stating he was too busy to be able to respond.
The other bout we have learned about features the # 1 and # 8 ranked pound for pound fighters in the city. Chad “Robo†Robichaux (Gracie Barra The Woodlands), currently ranked #1 overall, will be squaring off against young phenom and 8th ranked Humberto Deleon (Bushi Ban) in a catch weight bout. Look for this fight to go to the ground quickly. Robo is a highly regarded BJJ Black belt who beat Lewis McKenzie back in November to earn the Legacy FC 135 title. Deleon has suffered a couple of losses after starting his pro career 5-1, but has won 18 of his 21 career fights (pro and amateur) via armbar.
“I’m honored to be fighting someone of that caliber and I’m thankful for the opportunity,†Deleon said of his match-up with Robo.
Robo was set to make his national debut with Shine Fights back in April, only to see his fight fall though before the entire show was canceled. “I feel totally re-energized for this bout. I trained hard for Shine and when it fell through it was a bit discouraging. To be blessed with this opportunity to compete in an event such as StrikForce is a huge honor, especially in my city and against an opponent that I think very highly of. I’m very excited and will be working hard with my coaches Todd Moore, Jody Tranthom, Daniel Kim, Lewis Wood and Professor Draculino to represent Gracie Barra with the same level of skill and professionalism we always do. I plan to bring my same fast paced and dominating game plan that I always do, and I promise nothing short of an exciting fight. Look for this to be fight of the night.â€
Ragan McDaniel, of B3 Sports, manages both Chad Robo and Adam Schindler, and had this to say when asked how tough it was to get two of his fighters on the card, “ I really just stayed in contact with Strikeforce and tried to promote the guys consistently. Of course, having 2 premiere fighters that have great records and professional titles makes it easier.â€
It is worth noting that all 4 fighters have agreed to the fights, but will not be officially signing the contracts until after the press conference on Tuesday.
Robo vs. DeLeon. AWESOME. Great job Ragan. Saul you are a fantastic matchmaker!
It’s all about working hard!!!!
Will be an awesome show!!!
Regan = does work, son!!! Recognize!!!
Sorry, RAgan
You better spell my name right…..SON! Don’t make me put a whoopin on you.
Great to see local fighters represented at Strikeforce! Should be a good show.
MORE BREAKING NEWS: You can add Chad Cook and Artenas Young to the card.
There is another HUGE name to add to this card.
People will freak out. Wait and see.
@Carlos – Actually two huge names. We are waiting on confirmation to announce it.
what? You have got to be kidding me? Bushi Ban on Strikeforce? Who the..put this card together? OMG I hate to bash but pleaaaase Robo vs DeLeon? I like “the Kid” but this is a mismatch, and Gooch? I am suprised I don’t see Zulfi himself vs uh, jeez I dunno some 2rd grader? Who did this card?
I’m just going to go ahead and point out Jamie Varner is in the House.
And I’m also going to point out that he spelled Ragan’s name wrong.
But quickly corrected!!! I gave him the threat of an ass whoopin!!! He knows better.
Truth you can go f*ck yourself if you wanna talk shit about master Zulfi, he has always been the most resectfull person to anyone in the Houston Mma and has also tryed to help eveyone he can. So that’s some f*ckin bull shit straight up, I could care less if you think the match ups are bad but don’t hate on master Zulfi
Easy Alex. TRUTH is just mad cause he is a weenie i remember seeing him get his face kicked in. In one of his fights. KO’d. He needs to stop acting like he’s somebody special cause he blogs alot..He needs to come wit some wins before he can form an opinion.
Blog_King 187, First of all, you have the wrong truth. There are two. There is “The Truth” and then there is Mike Jackson who’s nickname is “the truth”. the one that left the comments is not Mike. Further more, stay classy.
Who is this blog “King”? This is the real “The Truth”. And I hope he is not talking about moi? I’ll wait for a response before I go any further.
gentlemen, i believe the truth that is referenced on here is the one who pops up every now and again and has had a couple of intellectual “missteps” when attempting to argue with me. Not 100% but there was a the truth that was not mike jackson and enjoyed some fairly brazen and uninformed statements.
Mike Jackson enjoys blogging and has a good analytical mind for fighting. The strikeforce card is a really exciting set of fights and though Robo is the clear favorite the kid brings a solid winning record and there aren’t that many good local fighters at 135.
Awww Drew, look at you. Well said.
I’m still waiting by the way blog guy.
I know it wasint mike, I’ve seen this truth guy always sayin dumb crap. Sorry to start this but I couldn’t help but stand up for my coach and school
Do it real BIG, Rep H-town
Alex, I think everyone knows you are a guy who is supportive and honest and sgtraight forward. No worries there buddy. And guys, don’t be surprised if “no truth” and blog king don’t respond with anything meaningful. every site has to have its trolls and im afraid to say the “no truth” is one and maybe the blog character is too.
Valley City, ND, MMA
Houston LOL.