Surprise...it's a special bonus episode! Today's special chat features a discussion with Duane "Bang" Ludwig, and we delve into Bruce Lee's influence, his early knockout of Jens Pulver that launched him into the national MMA consciousness, joining Strikeforce, getting "Payback" against Sammy Morgan, and more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@TheHexagonPod. You can also reach the...
Jan 14, 2021•22 min•Ep. 29
On this week's episode, it's time for "Destruction," as Strikeforce features the hexagon debuts of "Hands of Steel" Scott Smith as well as "Babalu" Sobral in memorable scraps. Smith knocks out Terry Martin in brutal fashion, while "Babalu" captures the Strikeforce light heavyweight title in a controversial doctor stoppage win over Bobby Southworth. In addition, "Bang" Ludwig and Yves Edwards tangle, Joe "Diesel" Riggs get a big win, and future champ Luke Rockhold makes a statement. There's tons ...
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 28
It's an absolute barnburner of an episode to kick off the new year, as we connect with UFC Hall of Famer Frank Trigg! Our conversation is packed, with hot takes on fighters like Matt Hughes and Chael Sonnen, as well as a deep dive into Trigg's lone Strikeforce fight. We also discuss Trigg's many other interests, including refereeing, film stunt work, sailing, scuba diving, and so much more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, an...
Jan 04, 2021•44 min•Ep. 27
On this week's episode, MMA legend Frank Trigg and then-rising star "The Karate Hottie" Michelle Waterson fight for the only time inside the hexagon as we cover "Strikeforce: Payback." There are few Strikeforce regulars on this card, but we do see some very entertaining action, including a brutal throwdown between Billy Evangelista and Luke Caudillo, as well as a nasty liver shot TKO in the main event. There's lots to dissect...join us as we delve into this memorable Strikeforce card! All our li...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 26
On this week's episode, we're going old school as we catch up with multi-time MMA champion and UFC/Bellator/Strikeforce veteran "The South African Hammer" Trevor Prangley! We discuss his time inside the hexagon, including the "Four Men Enter, One Man Survives" one-night tournament, fighting Anthony Ruiz twice, what it was like to compete at the Playboy mansion, taking on "Babalu" Sobral, and more. All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscr...
Dec 21, 2020•32 min•Ep. 25
Strikeforce makes its return to the Playboy Mansion, and for the final time, as we cover "Strikeforce: At the Mansion II." It's another of the promotion's "one-off" shows, featuring fewer of the regular roster than normal. We see the Strikeforce debuts of former Pride FC stars Mitsuhiro Ishida and Kazuo Misaki, as well as the returns of Trevor Prangley and Joe "Diesel" Riggs. In addition, UFC vet Terry Martin makes a statement inside the hexagon, and newly-minted lightweight champ Josh "The Punk...
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 24
On this week's episode, it's something a bit different, as we present an intriguing look into the mindset of a fighter, including how they deal with winning streaks, losing streaks, losing twice to the same fighter, overcoming physical limitations, and more, as we welcome longtime Strikeforce veteran Anthony "Antdawg" Figueroa to the show! A protege of Cung Le, and current well-respected coach, Figueroa competed inside the hexagon multiple times, so he's able to shed unique light on the inner wo...
Dec 07, 2020•38 min•Ep. 23
The long-awaited lightweight title match has arrived! It's "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson," which features Strikeforce 155 lb. kingpin "El Nino" Gilbert Melendez defending the strap against top challenger Josh "The Punk" Thomson. Drawing over seven thousand fans in San Jose, the fight delivered on all levels, and was probably the crowning achievement in Thomson's career. Also on the event, current Bellator star Raymond Daniels makes his MMA debut, Bobby Southworth puts the Strikeforce light ...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 22
On this week's episode, we chat with Strikeforce legend Cung Le! We dive into his transition from kickboxing to MMA, winning the Strikeforce middleweight title, heading to the UFC, and more. In addition, we walk through his all-time classic scrap with Frank Shamrock for the 185 lb. title, talking about when he broke Frank's arm, and gaining confidence as the fight wore on. Don't miss this intriguing discussion! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Downl...
Nov 23, 2020•31 min•Ep. 21
It's finally here..."Shamrock vs. Le" for the Strikeforce middleweight title! In one of the most entertaining fights ever to take place inside the hexagon, Frank and Cung put on a scrap for the ages...and we're diving into all the details before, during, and after this awesome event. Also on the card, Gilbert Melendez defends his lightweight title, Joey Villasenor gets a very memorable KO, and more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subs...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 20
On this week's episode, we welcome special guest "Gorgeous" George Garcia of MMA Junkie Radio! We cover a plethora of topics, focusing on the influence of Strikeforce talent on the UFC and Bellator. George also shares stories on the original Playboy Mansion show, how he learned the UFC was acquiring Strikeforce, Nick Diaz's response to his hospital fight with Joe Riggs, and more! If you're a fan of MMA history, make sure you don't miss this! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com...
Nov 09, 2020•52 min•Ep. 19
It's our 2nd-ever bonus episode! On today’s special show, UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten joins us to discuss a wide array of topics, including his thoughts on Strikeforce's place in MMA history, having dinner with Bob Sapp, the fury of Fedor, and Mike Tyson! It's a great conversation...you won't want to miss this one! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@InsidetheHexagonPod. Also, ple...
Nov 05, 2020•45 min•Ep. 18
Bob "The Beast" Sapp has arrived, and it's going to be nothing but pain...for him, and MMA fans the world over! That's right...on this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh must unpack a, well, very bad MMA show: "Strikeforce: At the Dome." Jorge Masvidal makes his second appearance in the Hexagon, but beyond that, there's not a whole lot to smile about on this card. So...join us (and help us?) while we confront the onslaught of ugly found at this event! All our links can be foun...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 17
On this week's episode, we dive in with UFC/Strikeforce/Sengoku veteran Jorge Santiago! It's an intriguing conversation on training for a one-night tournament, how a fighter deals with losing, what promotions are looking for from athletes today, and more. In addition, we discuss Jorge's brutal finishes of Sean Salmon and Trevor Prangley during "Four Men Enter, One Man Survives"...you won't want to miss this enlightening discussion! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-th...
Oct 26, 2020•38 min•Ep. 16
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh dissect Strikeforce's "Four Men Enter, One Man Survives" event, which featured the crowning of the promotion's first heavyweight champion in Alistair Overeem, as well as the first sanctioned MMA tournament in California history. UFC vet Jorge Santiago ran through the tournament, earning two brutal stoppage victories, and Cung Le took the next step in his evolution into a full-fledged MMA star. Don't miss this one! All our links can be...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 15
On this week's episode, we catch up with longtime MMA veteran Joe "Diesel" Riggs! We dive into the crazy hospital fight with Nick Diaz, punching a bird backstage at the Playboy Mansion event, how it feels to beat up an opponent in front of his son, and what "Diesel" is up to today. You won't want to miss this intriguing chat! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@InsidetheHexagonPod....
Oct 12, 2020•32 min•Ep. 14
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh discuss what may have been the worst event in Strikeforce history, which happened on September 29, 2007 at the venerable Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. Featuring some big names like Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Joe Riggs, and Jorge Masvidal, one would expect the card to feature fireworks. But, while some of the action was great, several mismatches marred the card, as did the commentary. Fighters on drugs and steroids...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 13
On this week's episode, we connect with "The Legend" Frank Shamrock! Shamrock talks about Strikeforce being built on his shoulders, his relationship with EliteXC, fighting Gracies, tearing up his knee before his fight with Phil Baroni, his masterful performance against the NYBA, the aftermath, and much more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@InsidetheHexagonPod. Also, please don'...
Sep 28, 2020•43 min•Ep. 12
Surprise...it’s our very first bonus episode! On today’s special show, longtime MMA journalist and Bloody Elbow writer John S. Nash drops some knowledge on the rise and fall of EliteXC, the promotion’s partnership with Strikeforce, Frank Shamrock’s relationship with both promotions, that penultimate EliteXC event featuring Kimbo Slice and Seth Petruzelli, and so much more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us ...
Sep 24, 2020•39 min
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh discuss one of the biggest events in Strikeforce history, "Shamrock vs. Baroni," which took place in San Jose, California on June 22, 2007. The simmering feud between Frank Shamrock and Phil Baroni would finally come to a head, and with the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title on the line, it was to be an all-out barnburner. We discuss the pro wrestling-style build-up, a forced partnership with EliteXC, Frank training and fighting wi...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 10
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," we chat with the first-ever Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Bobby Southworth! Known for his very memorable time on the very first season on The Ultimate Fighter, Southworth was part of a cast that included Forrest Griffin, Stephan Bonnar, Mike Swick, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koschek, Chris Leben, Kenny Florian, and others. The former champ delves into launching the BJJ program at American Kickboxing Academy, his ill-fated Strikeforce bout with J...
Sep 14, 2020•46 min•Ep. 9
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh discuss "Triple Threat," which took place in San Jose, California on December 8, 2006. Strikeforce's fourth event showcased three title bouts, including a main event of UFC vets Bobby Southworth and Vernon "Tiger" White locking horns forth the inaugural Strikeforce light heavyweight title. Also fighting on the card would be Cung Le, Josh Thomson, and Gina Carano. We discuss all this on this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon!" Subs...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 8
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," we chat with American Kickboxing Academy founder and world class trainer Javier Mendez! We delve into his longstanding friendship with Scott Coker, training Frank Shamrock, the early days of Strikeforce, getting Cung Le ready for a title shot, Cain Velasquez, and much more! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@InsidetheHexagonPod. Don't forget to rate and review! We appreciate your support! Speci...
Aug 31, 2020•38 min•Ep. 11
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh discuss "Tank vs. Buentello," which took place in Fresno, California on October 7, 2006. Strikeforce's third event featured a main event of "The Headhunter" Paul Buentello clashing with UFC legend Tank Abbott in a fight sure to end in a knockout (it did). Also on the card, Josh "The Punk" Thomson took on Duane "Bang" Ludwig, and "Live Wire" Jason Von Flue, the man who made the "Von Flue choke" popular (but didn't invent it), made his ...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 6
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," we chat with former WEC lightweight champion and two-time Strikeforce lightweight champion "El Nino" Gilbert Melendez. One of the cornerstones of the promotion, Melendez discusses his formative years in MMA, his relationship with Jake Shields, winning the WEC belt, the first two Strikeforce events, his title win over Clay Guida, and more. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@InsidetheHexagonPod. ...
Aug 17, 2020•27 min•Ep. 5
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," Phil and Josh cover Strikeforce's sophomore event effort, "Revenge." This event was originally supposed to feature Kevin "The Monster" Randleman taking on Vitor Belfort in the main event, but medical issues took out the former UFC heavyweight kingpin. Instead, Alistair Overeem battled Belfort in a rematch of a previous Pride FC bout. Also on the card, Gilbert Melendez faced Clay Guida for the Strikeforce lightweight championship, and Cung Le looked...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 4
On this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," we chat with Strikeforce Founder/CEO and current Bellator President Scott Coker. The man responsible for "Shamrock vs. Gracie" discusses putting the event together, the long road it took to get MMA legalized in California, and what his original plans for the main event were (hint: it involved a Japanese legend). In addition, Coker discusses transitioning from kickboxing, the indomitable Frank Shamrock, how Cowboy Cerrone saved Strikeforce, the rise...
Aug 03, 2020•45 min•Ep. 3
March 10, 2006...that's where it all began. On that date, the first-ever sanctioned MMA event in California history took place as future Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez established himself as the fighter to watch in the 155 lb. division, Cung Le made his MMA debut, Clay Guida won his only major MMA championship to date, and Frank Shamrock defended the family name against Cesar Gracie. With over 18,000 screaming fans in attendance, Strikeforce arrived on the national MMA scene w...
Jul 28, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 2
Officially debuting on Monday, July 27th, "Inside the Hexagon" will bring you the story of Strikeforce, the innovative fight promotion that left a lasting mark on the sport of mixed martial arts. Daniel Cormier, Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Frank Shamrock, Tyron Woodley, Nick Diaz, King Mo...the list of MMA superstars that got their start, made their name, or cemented their legacy inside the hexagon is long and impressive. Subscribe wherever y...
Jul 19, 2020•4 min•Season 1Ep. 3
