About That Strikeforce Card

It’s been a week since Strikeforce’s “Carano vs. Cyborg” card.  I put off critiquing it because, frankly, I thought it was a disaster.

Most pressing (and disappointingly) is that I’ve lost faith in Gus Johnson’s ability to become a legitimate MMA broadcaster.  His ability to shriek at dramatic moments works well for basketball where those situations are few and far between.  MMA provides for many opportunities for Gus to unleash his inner banshee, and he shows little ability to differentiate between appropriate moments to go nuts and a fairly routine stoppage or bit of action.

I don’t remember too much of Mauro Ranallo and Frank Shamrock’s performances, though the “keys to victory” segment made Frank look like an idiot.  Showtimes needs to revamp or just plain scrap that turd.  The skinless wonders really highlight the fact that you aren’t watching the UFC.  It looks second rate, the explanation sounds second rate, and the “keys” are certainly second rate.

It’s disappointing that Strikeforce built up so much momentum with the historic main event and the Fedor signing, but the broadcast continues to make the promotion look like the minor leagues that they are.  They really aren’t that far off which is what makes it especially frustrating.