• Strikeforce Challengers

Zuffa takeover has major impact on Strikeforce event

ESPN staff
April 2, 2011
Dana White is already seeing changes in Strikeforce © UFC
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"Business as usual" were the words of Dana White when explaining how Strikeforce would function following its takeover by Zuffa, but something very unusual occurred in the first event since that momentous day.

In the main event of Friday's Strikeforce Challengers, Justin Wilcox forced the medical stoppage of Rodrigo Damm, via elbows to a grounded opponent.

It was the major change that immediately affected Strikeforce in the midst of the takeover, with Zuffa enforcing the unified rules that govern the UFC, meaning the previously outlawed elbows were introduced to the Strikeforce landscape.

Wilcox took full advantage, chalking up his fifth straight victory in the lightweight division.

"It's messed up," joked Wilcox. "They let the 'Silverback' use elbows."

Despite his wrestling base, it was actually Wilcox's striking that made the difference, landing several head kicks to cut and rock Damm. Applying the pressure on the deck, the 31-year-old then rained down elbows to leave his foe seriously bloodied as doctors halted the fight at the end of the round.

Elsewhere, the new elbows rule also benefited Carlos Fodor, who completely overwhelmed David Douglas via third round TKO.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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