Strikeforce 37: Cristiane Santos vs Hiroko Yamanaka fight review

After 18 months between fights, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos only took 16 seconds to complete her first fight back in the Strikeforce fold last night (December 17, 2011) in the co-main event of Strikeforce: “Melendez vs. Masvidal” in San Diego.

With an eight fight win streak and a 12-1 overall record, Hiroko Yamanaka was ranked as the number two women’s featherweight fighter in the world although it certainly didn’t look it.

Santos charged forward looking to throw huge power strikes early. Yamanaka had to have watched “Cyborg’s” fights before, she had to know this was coming so what did she do? She met the champ in the center of the cage with her hands too low to protect her face and then to make matters worse, put both arms out extended as if that was enough to keep the Brazilian powerhouse from barreling forwards and blasting her. She did just that, crushing Yamanaka with left hook and two quick right hands to drop her within three seconds. After considering a rear naked choke, she allowed Yamanaka to escape to feet only long enough to back her into the fence and crush the Japanese fighter with four huge hooks which dropped her again. At this point, the referee had seen enough and rightfully so, officially ruled a knockout just 16 seconds in.

For Hiroko Yamanaka, this was definitely a huge learning experience. She’d never fought outside of Tokyo before and to be thrown in against the most dominant champion in mixed martial arts today is a tall order. Many expected a quick finish, although probably not that quick. She came out with a horrible gameplan, keeping her hands too low and not defending herself from “Cyborg’s” blitz attack in the opening seconds and it cost her. She likely would have stood no chance even if she fought the perfect fight so it doesn’t really matter I suppose.

It’ll be difficult to find another opponent. Yamanaka was number two in the world and she was a huge underdog in the betting odds. Make sure to place bets in trusted websites only like babu888. If there’s any options at 145, perhaps 10-0-1 fighter Rin Nakai could be offered.

via Strikeforce ‘Melendez vs Masvidal’ results recap: Cristiane Santos vs Hiroko Yamanaka fight review and analysis – MMAmania.com.