trikeforce anticipates early 2009 return for champ Cung Le

Swizzie · 08-14-2008, 04:54 PM

Soon after his grueling upset TKO victory over Frank Shamrock to win the Strikeforce world middleweight title, Cung Le announced that he planned to take some time off from competition.

Le, who pushed his career mark to 6-0 with that third-round TKO victory in March, will now test his acting chops. Strikeforce officials expect his return and first title defense sometime in early 2009.

"He deserves it," Strikeforce Vice President Mike Afromowitz told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) of Le's time off. "He deserves the time to do that, as long as he comes back in shape."

Le, an undefeated San Shou and K-1 kickboxer who made the transition into MMA in early 2006, stars in the soon-to-be-released "Fighting," which will be his silver-screen debut. Le was also recently cast as "Marshall Law" in the Hollywood adaptation of the hit video game franchise, Tekken, which is slated for release next year.

Le also has roles in the science-fiction/action flick "Pandorum" as well as "The Take Down," two movies that will also be released in 2009.

"It's good for us, having a movie star as a champion," Afromowitz said. "As long he continues training, it helps our league with him the face of the organization. We try to support those types of things with our fighters."

Le previously appeared in a few independent movies and an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" prior to his current gigs.

As for Le's return, there's always the potential for a rematch with Shamrock. Strikeforce officials know it's a bankable fight -- the first meeting produced 15,192 attendees for a solid $1.1 million gate -- with arguably the organization's two biggest stars.

Additionally, Strikeforce officials have big expectations for recent signee and PRIDE veteran Kazuo Misaki, who meets Joe Riggs next month at Strikeforce's Playboy Mansion event. The winner will be an immediate contender, though Riggs recently stated that he plans to drop to welterweight after the fight.

However, other options could come from outside the organization. Strikeforce and EliteXC have co-promoted in the past (including the first Shamrock vs. Le event), and the partner promotion could offer Le the chance to fight EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler or contenders such as Joey Villasenor, Murilo "Ninja" Rua and Scott Smith.

How the FUCK was that an upset, Shamrock was already washed-up.

Relentless · 08-14-2008, 06:56 PM

i think just based on MMA experience, Shamrock was favored, i loved that fight, from start to finish

Snuggles · 08-14-2008, 08:00 PM

I want to see the rematch, this time with Frank using his entire game.

Relentless · 08-14-2008, 08:37 PM

i respect Frank for everything he's done in the sport, but i really can't stand the guy, although i'll root for him against Ken

El Duderino · 08-14-2008, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Snuggles

I want to see the rematch, this time with Frank using his entire game.

Exactly, FS by rape.

El Duderino · 08-14-2008, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by Relentless

i respect Frank for everything he's done in the sport, but i really can't stand the guy, although i'll root for him against Ken

Are they fighting?

Relentless · 08-15-2008, 06:56 AM

Frank said that's his next fight most likely

Jesus_Didn't_Tap · 08-15-2008, 11:16 AM

but why? why the fuck do we want to see ken vs. frank? sure brother match blah blah blah. but they arent even brothers. this match does nothing for their standings. it might sell a few tickets but it doesnt make sense.

Relentless · 08-15-2008, 11:21 AM

yeah it'll sell a lot, but it is a stupid fight, i don't care about either of them, and neither of them will play an effect in their respective divisions for a long while

Snuggles · 08-15-2008, 12:12 PM

I think Frank could still be relevant, just not where he is at.

Swizzie · 08-15-2008, 12:20 PM

Ken Shamrock is slow and useless at heavyweight, if he moves down, he'll be slow, useless and weaker, because he barely has any fat or muscle to cut.

No I don't think this would be a good idea, it would just take Frank's credibility down even lower. He's already criticized for dodging top 10 level competition, this would only make things worse.

Relentless · 08-15-2008, 03:22 PM

Frank hasn't beaten at top ten fighter in how long??

Rydawg · 08-15-2008, 03:50 PM

Question is who the fuck has cung le beaten to deserve all the hype? Frank shamrock? look out! I'm not saying he's not talented but come on strikeforce is weak as fuck.

Swizzie · 08-15-2008, 04:54 PM

People say Cung Le would beat Anderson LMAO

Relentless · 08-15-2008, 08:22 PM

that's just fucking dumb, i don't think Cung Le is anywhere near the top 15 yet, he has potential, but right now no way