The MMA Top 10 01.22.10: Week 5 - The Top 10 Fighters That Strikeforce Needs To Sign In 2010

Posted by Dustin James on 01.22.2010

From Roger Huerta Karo Parisyan and Shinya Aoki to Eddie Alvarez, Jorge Santiago and Paulo Filho, these are some of the fighters that 411's Dustin James believes that Strikeforce needs to sign in 2010! Check out the full article to see which fighters made the list and why!

Welcome back to The MMA Top 10! As you should know by now, I'm your handsome host Dustin James and I almost didn't get this thing done this week! It wasn't because I'm lazy or anything (trust me, I'm not!). It just so happens that I went to update my Mozilla and guess what happens? If you guessed "You really downloaded a virus that screwed up your computer?" then give yourself a huge pat on the back. I don't know what's going with this thing right now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The only Internet browser it lets me use is Safari (which I hate) and it's driving me nuts. I'm going to have to see what I can do about getting my loyal laptop fixed because as of right now, my only Internet access is coming from my lovely iPhone and my horrible crappy desktop. Either way, I'm done boring you with my horrible computer sorrows...I suppose we can move on.

The big news this week is the unbelievable return of none other than BROCK F'N LESNAR~! After months of worrying, the UFC and it's fans can finally relax as it appears that Lesnar is healthy and will actually fight the winner of Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin in the summer (yet another reason to love summer!). Count me in 100% for that fight. I can't describe how excited I'm to see both the UFC and Lesnar dodge this bullet. Lesnar is one of the UFC's biggest stars right now and is one of their biggest meal tickets, the last thing Zuffa needed was for Lesnar to have to retire. However, as of right now, it appears that everything is fine and we will finally get to see the UFC's heavyweight division move on from this close catastrophe.

Now, moving on to the topic for this week. Last week I ranked the "Top 10 fighters the UFC needs to sign in 2010" and I apparently pissed off the Strikeforce fan base. Just because I ranked a bunch of Strikeforce guys doesn't mean I don't consider them a respectable promotion. If anything, they should be flattered that I like the majority of their roster. So, to please them I decided to rank "The top 10 (non-UFC) fighters Strikeforce needs to sign in 2010" this week. However, I'm not including guys who are currently under contract with the UFC because it should be almost a given that I'd like to see ALMOST anyone from the UFC fight with Strikeforce. Plus, this list would just be filled with guys like Anderson Silva, GSP, BJ Penn, etc, etc, etc....and what kind of fun is that? So enjoy the list (I'm sure you won't).....

Anyway.......




LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!!!!..............................





HONORABLE MENTIONS!!!!







Joachim Hansen
Currently Fighting For: DREAM





Record: 19-8-1



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Shinya Aoki via TKO at DREAM 5 on July 21, 2008

- defeated Kultar Gill via armbar submission at DREAM 5 on July 21, 2008

- defeated Kotetsu Boku via unanimous decision at DREAM 1 on March 15, 2008



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Shinya Aoki via armbar submission at DREAM 11 on October 6, 2009

- lost to Eddie Alvarez via unanimous decision at DREAM 3 on May 11, 2008

- lost to Eiji Mitsuoka via majority decision at Shooto: Back to our Roots 6 on November 8, 2007




Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen is one of the most talented lightweight fighters in MMA. He also happens to be one of the most inconsistent fighters in MMA. Right when he looks good with impressive victories over Shinya Aoki, Kultar Gill, Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante, Yves Edwards, and Caol Uno. He goes ahead and lays an egg against the likes of Hayato Sakurai, Aoki, and Eddie Alvarez. "Hellboy" is definitely talented enough to make an impact in Strikeforce if he were to sign with the company. He could face off against the likes of Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Mitsuhiro Ishida, etc, etc, etc. I'm sure a lot of people who have never heard of Hansen would easily jump on the dude's bandwagon once he comes out and shows everyone how dangerous (yet inconsistent) of a fighter he can be.

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Jason High
Currently Fighting For: DREAM





Record: 9-2



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Andre Galvao via split decision at DREAM 10 on July 20, 2009

- defeated Yuya Shirai via rear-naked choke submission at DREAM 8 on April 5, 2009

- defeated Markhaile Wedderburn via guillotine choke submission at Iroquois: MMA Championships 4 on June 21, 2008



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Marius Zaromskis via KO at DREAM 10 on July 20, 2009

- lost to Jay Hieron via KO at Affliction: Day of Reckoning on January 24, 2009




Jason High is a very underrated welterweight in MMA. The man started out his MMA career with seven straight victories before running into top ranked welterweight Jay Hieron at Affliction's final show in January. High then headed over to Japan to compete in DREAM's Welterweight Grand Prix. After defeating both Yuya Shirai and Andre Galvao, he went on to the finals where he would face Marius Zaromskis (perhaps you have heard of him?). High was actually winning the fight against Zaromskis (in my opinion at least....) up until Marius caught "The Kansas City Bandit" with a pretty sweet ass head kick that followed an amazing combination. Since then, High has turned up his training and is looking to come back better than ever. What better way to come back then to sign with Strikeforce? I'm not the kind of guy who books MMA fights or anything, but I'd love to see High rematch both Hieron and Zaromskis in Strikeforce. Hell, in 2010....it could happen!

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AND NOW THE TOP 10!!!!........................











10) Ferrid Kheder
Currently Fighting For: Vale Tudo Montecarlo





Record: 16-5



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Rudier Fuentes via armbar submission at Vale Tudo Montecarlo on December 26, 2009

- defeated Rogelio Zuniga via armbar submission at Vale Tudo Montecarlo on December 26, 2009

- defeated Randall Jimenez via TKO at Extreme Valetodo Tamarindo on November 28, 2009



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Daisuke Nakamura via unanimous decision at M-1 Global: Breakthrough on August 28, 2009

- lost to Pedro Santos via unanimous decision at Jungle Fight 11 on September 13, 2008

- lost to Paulo Thiago via unanimous decision at Jungle Fight 10 on July 12, 2008




A few years back, I was lucky enough to see Ferrid Kheder compete at SportFight 21 in Portland. I remember thinking to myself "Man, this dude looks pretty talented." Even though he lost that night, I remember thinking that I have yet to see the last of Kheder. Well, here we are just three years later and the man has gone 13-3 since dropping a unanimous decision victory to Tommy Truex that night. Not only that, but he's quietly become one of the top free agent welterweight fighters in MMA. If Strikeforce is really hoping to boost its roster, then they should do themselves a favor and sign Kheder before the UFC nabs this guy. I see good things in this man's future.......


(PS: Kheder just signed with Bellator so kudos to that promotion!)



Here are some Ferrid Kheder highlights, because I know you haven't seen them!........

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9) Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante
Currently Fighting For: DREAM





Record: 14-3-1



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Andre Amado via armbar submission at K-1 HERO's Tournament Final on September 17, 2007

- defeated Vitor Ribeiro via TKO at K-1 HERO's Tournament Final on September 17, 2007

- defeated Nam Phan via TKO at K-1 HERO's Dynamite!! USA on June 2, 2007



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Tatsuya Kawajiri via unanimous decision at DREAM 9 on May 26, 2009

- lost to Shinya Aoki via unanimous decision at DREAM 2 on April 29, 2008

- lost to Joachim Hansen via majority decision at Shooto in Korkuen Hall on July 16, 2004




Just a few years ago, Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante was highly considered one of the top ranked lightweights in MMA. Of course, that was after he defeated Vitor Ribeiro and Andre Amado all in the same night. Since then, "JZ"'s stock has dropped a little. He hasn't won a fight since September of 2007, but it's not like he's fought a lot or even fought weak competition. Since that night, he's faced off against Shinya Aoki twice (the first fight was ruled a "no contest" due to illegal elbows from Aoki) and Tatsuya Kawajiri as well. While he was unable to walk away the victor in those fights, he still took both guys to the limit. If "JZ" were to sign with Strikeforce in 2010, then I personally believe we could see the man resurrect his career. He's still one of the best fighters in the lightweight division and it's a shame that we don't get to see him fight more. Just sign the deal with Strikeforce and give us some "JZ" vs. "El Nino"~!!!




I tried to warn you that "JZ" is one bad ass dude........

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8) Tatsuya Kawajiri
Currently Fighting For: DREAM





Record: 26-5-2



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Kazunori Yokota via unanimous decision at K-1 New Year's Eve Dynamite!! 2009 on December 31, 2009

- defeated Melchor Manibusan via TKO at DREAM 11 on October 6, 2009

- defeated Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante via unanimous decision at DREAM 9 on May 26, 2009



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Eddie Alvarez via TKO at DREAM 5 on July 21, 2008

- lost to Gilbert Melendez via unanimous decision at PRIDE: Shockwave 2006 on December 31, 2006

- lost to Takanori Gomi via rear-naked choke submission at PRIDE: Bushido 9 on September 25, 2005




Much like my feelings with Takanori Gomi, I'm dying to see Tatsuya Kawajiri compete in the United States. I don't care if it's for either Strikeforce or the UFC, just get this man over here! I have a feeling that "Crusher" would show the US fans why he's considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division. By adding Kawajiri to the Strikeforce roster, it would help booster the division immediately. The UFC's lightweight division is pretty stacked right now, and Strikeforce needs to be able to stay on top and compete with them and what better way to do so than to add Kawajiri to the roster? I'm always down for a rematch between Kawajiri and current Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. The UFC just grabbed Gomi, so you better grab Kawajiri before Dana White gets his mitts on him!





Here's Kawajiri doing what he does best....kicking ass......

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7) Jorge Santiago
Currently Fighting For: Sengoku





Record: 21-8



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Kazuo Misaki via rear-naked choke submission at Sengoku: No Ran 2009 on January 4, 2009

- defeated Kazuhiro Nakamura via TKO at Sengoku 6 on November 1, 2008

- defeated Siyar Bahadurzada via heel hook submission at Sengoku 6 on November 1, 2008



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Mamed Khalidov via TKO at Sengoku 11 on November 7, 2009

- lost to Alan Belcher at UFC Fight Night 7 on December 13, 2006

- lost to Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 6 on August 17, 2006




While Jorge Santiago has competed in both the UFC and Strikeforce, its time he bolted that dying promotion known as Sengoku and man-upped and returned to Strikeforce. I'm not even sure why he ever left the promotion in the first place. After an unsuccessful stint in the UFC (where he went 1-2 with the company back in 2006), Santiago headed over to Strikeforce and ended up going 2-0 with the promotion with wins over Sean Salmon and Trevor Prangley in the same night! For some reason though, Santiago took his ball and headed to Sengoku where he seemingly became one of the top middleweight fighters in the world. However, after losing to the "on fire" Mamed Khalidov, it seems Santiago's streak has sizzled a little. What better way to remind the world why you are one the top fighters then to re-sign with Strikeforce? All I know is, by signing with Strikeforce we could potentially see Santiago vs. either Jake Shields or Dan Henderson and in my opinion.....I'd pay to see either one of those fights.



Jorge Santiago.....the man has a great entrance, that's for sure......

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6) Karo Parisyan
Currently Fighting For: Free Agent





Record: 18-5



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Ryo Chonan via unanimous decision at UFC 78 on November 17, 2007

- defeated Josh Burkman via unanimous decision at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007

- defeated Drew Fickett via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 7 on December 13, 2006



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Thiago Alves via TKO at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2, 2008

- lost to Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 6 on August 17, 2006

- lost to Georges St. Pierre via unanimous decision at UFC 46 on January 31, 2004




A lot of people don't like Karo Parisyan (such as myself and Dana White), but that doesn't mean that Karo isn't one of the best welterweight fighters in the world (when he actually WANTS to fight, that is...). The only reason a man such as talented as Karo is currently a free agent in MMA is because the dude has some mental issues he needs to get fixed before he concentrates on fighting full-time. However, if he does get those issues fixed, what better way to try and get your career kick started then by heading to Strikeforce and tearing up their welterweight division? There are some potential fights already awaiting Karo in Strikeforce. Perhaps we could see Karo vs. Nick Diaz II? Or how about Karo vs. Marius Zaromskis? Or Karo vs. Joe Riggs? There's options out there for you Karo....you just gotta get all your mental issues settled so you can return to the form of a top 10 welterweight fighter. Let's see it happen!




Karo Parisyan shows you how to do a (surprise, surprise!) JUDO THROW (I heard that his are the best in the world)......

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5) Paulo Filho
Currently Fighting For: Bitetti Combat





Record: 19-1



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Tatsuhiko Nishizaka via kimura submission at Bitetti Combat 5 on December 12, 2009

- defeated Alex Schoenauer via unanimous decision at Bitetti Combat 4 on September 12, 2009

- defeated Melvin Manhoef via armbar submission at DREAM 10 on July 20, 2009



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Chael Sonnen via unanimous decision at WEC 36 on November 5, 2008




Last year, the only place I would have recommended that Paulo Filho go.....was a mental hospital. At WEC 36, when Filho fought Chael Sonnen, I can't even describe what we saw. We saw an unmotivated Filho who appeared to be talking to "voices in his head" throughout the fight. It seriously was something I have never seen in MMA and I honestly thought we had seen the last of Paulo Filho as a contender in MMA. However, here we are a year later and Filho is now on a three-fight win streak and has seemingly got all of his "demons" stored away. Well, what better way to show the world that you are completely focused on your MMA career other than to sign with one of the top promotions in the world? While I highly doubt the UFC would take a gamble on Filho right now, I'm sure the guys over at Strikeforce would love to add him to either their middleweight or light heavyweight divisions. At one time, Filho was widely considered the #2 middleweight fighter in the world (behind his good buddy Anderson Silva) and I know for a fact that he has the talent to get back to that position in the rankings!




Here's Filho taking care of business against Melvin Manhoef (another new addition to Strikeforce!)......

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4) Eddie Alvarez
Currently Fighting For: DREAM and Bellator





Record: 19-2



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Katsunori Kikuno via arm-triangle choke submission at DREAM 12 on October 25, 2009

- defeated Toby Imada via rear-naked choke submission at Bellator 10 on June 19, 2009

- defeated Eric Reynolds via rear-naked choke submission at Bellator 4 on May 1, 2009




Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Shinya Aoki via heel hook submission at K-1 Dynamite!! New Year's Eve on December 31, 2008

- lost to Nick Thompson via TKO at BodogFight: Clash of the Nations on April 14, 2007





I spoke a lot about why the UFC should sign Eddie Alvarez last week, so I shouldn't have to elaborate on why I feel Alvarez is one of the best fighters currently not fighting for one of the "big two" MMA promotions. Quit picking on people in Bellator and come on and face some real competition.....



Here's Alvarez doing what he does best....kicking ass......

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3) Mamed Khalidov
Currently Fighting For: Sengoku





Record: 20-3-1



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Jorge Santiago via TKO at Sengoku 11 on November 7, 2009

- defeated Daniel Acacio via KO at KSW 11 on May 15, 2009

- defeated Jason Guida via TKO at ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series on October 10, 2008




Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Valdas Pocevicius via rear-naked choke submission at Shooto: Lithuania Gladiators 2 on September 22, 2005

- lost to Grazhuydas Smailis via rear-naked choke submission at Shooto: Lithuania Gladiators on September 29, 2004

- lost to Nerijus Valiukevicius via TKO at Shooto: Lithuania Bushido King on May 18, 2004





As I have mentioned, Strikeforce did a fantastic thing when they signed former PRIDE light heavyweight and middleweight champion Dan Henderson. Henderson not only boosts the credibility of Strikeforce's middleweight division, but it gives Jake Shields some real tough competition. Well, guess would be an excellent signing for Strikeforce's middleweight division? THIS MAN RIGHT HERE! Mr. Mamed Khalidov! If Strikeforce somehow was able to get their hands on Khalidov, then it would immediately make their middleweight division that much better. Khalidov, Shields, Henderson, Lawler, Jason Miller....keep em coming Strikeforce!






Here's Khalidov putting an end to the win streak of Jorge Santiago......

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2) Shinya Aoki
Currently Fighting For: DREAM





Record: 23-4



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Mizuto Hirota via hammerlock submission at K-1 Dynamite!! New Year's Eve 2009 on December 31, 2009

- defeated Joachim Hansen via armbar submission at DREAM 11 on October 6, 2009

- defeated Vitor Ribeiro via unanimous decision at DREAM 10 on July 20, 2009




Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Hayato Sakurai via TKO at DREAM 8 on April 5, 2009

- lost to Joachim Hansen via TKO at DREAM 5 on July 21, 2008

- lost to Hayato Sakurai via unanimous decision at Shooto: Alive Road on August 20, 2005





Last week, I had Aoki ranked as the #5 fighter the UFC should sign. With Strikeforce, it's no different. Aoki immediately helps boost the credibility of Strikeforce's lightweight division and his name is as hot as it has ever been right now. He's coming off a fight where he broke his opponents arm and then disrespectfully flipped him the bird afterwards. If Strikeforce did manage to sign Aoki, we would all hope that they would book an Aoki vs. Nick Diaz match. Imagine the amount of fingers that would be flying during that weigh-in! Not to mention, if they managed to sign Aoki that would give us some good match-ups with Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Mitsuhiro Ishida, and the #1 pick on this list. Either way, as long as I get to consistently see Aoki fight in the States, then the world is a better place. I don't get HDNet so I don't get to see the DREAM shows live, so being able to see one of the top lightweight fighters in the world is something I always pray for (see: Gomi, Takanori). Make it happen Coker~!





Whatever you do, watch this video..............

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1) Roger Huerta
Currently Fighting For: Free Agent





Record: 20-3-1



Last 3 Wins:


- defeated Clay Guida via rear-naked choke submission at The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale on December 8, 2007

- defeated Alberto Cran via TKO at UFC 74 on August 25, 2007

- defeated Douglas Evans via TKO at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale on June 23, 2007



Last 3 Losses:



- lost to Gray Maynard via split decision at UFC Fight Night 19 on September 16, 2009

- lost to Kenny Florian via unanimous decision at UFC 87 on August 9, 2008

- lost to Ryan Schultz via verbal submission at SuperBrawl 36 on June 18, 2004




Strikeforce needs to jump on the Roger Huerta bandwagon immediately. It was just a little over a year ago that Huerta was considered one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in MMA. His mind got a little sidetracked due to his sudden surge of popularity (acting career.....REALLY, Roger?), but if he can get his mind set....Huerta can be one of the best lightweight fighters in MMA. The man is a huge name among the hispanic community and by bringing his fan base over to Strikeforce not only helps Huerta regain his status as one of the best lightweights in MMA, but it also helps Strikeforce's name amongst the mainstream MMA fans. If the casual fan tunes into a CBS show and sees the likes of Fedor, Hendo, and Huerta....then they are going to start thinking just like us hardcore fans do....that Strikeforce is for real! Just imagine the lightweight division that Strikeforce could have if they just added everyone on this list. It could easily rival that of the UFC's. Just sayin.....




He's "El Matador" Roger Huerta!!......

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And that's it for me this week. Make sure you follow me on Twitter for all sorts of good MMA, NBA, NFL, and other random crap talk. Trust me, I won't let you down.

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*Special shout out to Sherdog.com's Fight Finder for helping me with this column.