This is the Strikeforce live blog for Rhadi Ferguson vs. John Richard, a light heavyweight bout on tonight's Strikeforce Challengers 13 on Showtime card from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.Ferguson (2-0), a 35-year-old former judo Olympian, is continuing his step from trainer to the MMA stars to actually getting into the cage himself. He's related to Kimbo Slice, but has a much, much better grappling game. Ferguson holds a black belt in both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has competed at the BJJ world championships and ADCC in addition to the Olympics. Richard (3-1), a wrestler with three submission wins, is a late replacement fighting out of Camden, S.C.
The live blog is below.
Al Wichgers is the referee for this 205-pound bout.
Round 1: Richard comes forward with a reaching left hand and bum rushes for the single-leg trip takedown and gets it. Ferguson attempts a heel hook but Richard escapes and scrambles to take Ferguson's back. Richard takes his time to work for a rear-naked choke which allows Ferguson to turn into Richard's closed guard. Ferguson with short strikes, rights to the body and lefts to the head. Richard loses his mouthpiece and receives a warning from the referee. Richard desperately tries to improve position and settles on the turtle. Ferguson maintains control. Richard loses his mouthpiece for the third time and is deducted one point. Round one ends with Ferguson in control. 10-9 Ferguson (10-8 with deduction).
Round 2: They take their time to feel each other out. The southpaw Richard lands a leg kick and Ferguson either complains of a low blow or winces in pain and Richard takes advantage by rushing in for the takedown. Ferguson attempts the kneebar and Richard taps.
Rhadi Ferguson def. John Richard via submission (kneebar) - Round 2, 2:00
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