Event: Strikeforce Nashville

Date: April 17, 2010

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Venue: Bridgestone Arena

Broadcast: Showtime

Strikeforce Nashville Live Odds

After dominating veteran Dan Henderson for a unanimous decision victory on Saturday night to retain his middleweight crown, Jake Shields took the mic to address the Bridgestone Arena crowd, however wasn’t able to get too far with his celebratory speech.

"King Mo'' Lawal (7-0) captured the StrikeForce Light Heavyweight championship with a unanimous five-round decision win over defending titlist Gegard Mousasi (28-3-1). Scores were 49-45 three times for Lawal.

Gilbert Melendez (18-2) retained his belt with a dominating unanimous five-round decision over Dream lightweight champ Shinya Aoki (23-5, 1 NC). On all three judges' scorecards, Melendez earned 50-45 shut out marks.

Jack Shields vs Dan Henderson:

Henderson folds Shields with a right hook. Shields is hurt and Henderson pounces. Shields recovers and goes to a heel hook. The UFC and pride veteran pulls his foot free and the fight returns to the feet. Henderson lands another right hand that stumbles Shields. Shields steps forward and Henderson unloads with rights and lefts.

Shields is being outclassed by Henderson’s power early. Shields goes down and Henderson is all over him. Henderson lets him up and Shields scores with a right hand. Henderson clinches with the champion against the fence. Referee McCarthy separates the fighters and restarts the action in the center of the cage.

Shields shoots a single and nearly gets it. Henderson goes down briefly and the bounces back up. Henderson connects to Shields’ body with his right knee. Henderson scores with a right before the horn.

Gilbert Melendez vs. Shinya Aoki:

Melendez takes the center of the cage and Aoki circles. Melendez catches an Aoki low kick and throws him to the floor. Aoki stands and Melendez starts to stalk his for across the cage. The crowd is growing restless and starts to boo just 90 seconds into the contest. Melendez catches an accidental finger to his right eye.

Referee Mario Yamasaki calls time. The action is resumed and Aoki pulls guard. Aoki transitions directly to a triangle and an omoplata, but Melendez is game. He frees his left arm and stands. Aoki follows. Melendez lands a right hand to the body. Aoki shoots and tries to pull guard when Melendez stuffs it.

Melendez kicks the legs while standing and then enters the guard of the dangerous Japanese fighter. Melendez lands a few right hands and then stands. Aoki gets backed up to the fence, where he lands a solid knee to Melendez’s chin. Melendez feels it and starts to open up. He clips Aoki with a few punches to the body and a right hand.

Gegard Mousasi vs. Muhammed Lawal:

Mousasi fired a head kick that is blocked. Lawal lands a right hook on the temple that backs Mousasi up. Lawal grabs a single and Mousasi defends while hoping on one leg. He punishes Lawal before the American finishes the takedown. Mousasi looks for a triangle and Lawal has none of it.

Lawal opens up and punches from the top, landing effectively. Lawal passes to side control, but it’s a brief stay as Mousasi gets back to guard. Lawal is standing in the guard and ducking upkicks. Lawal lunges in and misses a right hand. Lawal holds the right foot and dodges another upkick.

Left hands score for Lawal as he dives back into the guard. A right hand connects and Lawal starts to tee off with both hands. Mousasi is defending well, but absorbing the occasional blow. Mousasi has had enough; he kicks off and stands. Lawal goes back to the single and Mousasi sprawls. Mousasi glances a head kick and lands a right hand before the bell.

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Strikeforce Nashville Main Card:

Shields def Henderson via unanimous decision

Melendez def Aoki via unanimous decision

Lawal def Mousasi via unanimous decision

Strikeforce Nashville Preliminary Card:

St. Preux def Hawk via TKO

Uhrich def West via submission

Miller def Stout via TKO

Yarbrough def Schockman via TKO

Underwood def Worsham via unanimous decision.

Ortiz def Pennington via submission

Floyd def Campbell via KO