Bobby Lashley suffered his first career loss as a professional mixed-martial arts fighter on Saturday, August 21, during the opening bout of the Strikeforce: Houston event.
Lashley dropped a second round loss to relative unknown heavyweight fighter Chad Griggs (9-1) via stoppage after a vicious barrage of strikes during the closing moments of the second round. Lashley was in control of the fight until he was cut from a Griggs uppercut that grazed the former WWE Superstar’s eye as he shot in for a takedown attempt. From that point on Lashley seemed to switch gears to survival mode, with a slight hint of panic, relying strictly on takedowns and control on the ground, hoping to grind out a decision victory without enduring any further punishment. Things didn’t quite work out for the heavyweight MMA prospect, as Griggs was able to land some shots that switched the momentum in his favor.
Griggs would finish things up in the final seconds of round two, as Lashley was on the ground, face-down, holding on to Griggs’ ankle for dear life as Griggs pounded away at Lashley’s face with hammer-fists until the bell sounded to end the round. The referee took one look at Lashley after that series of strikes, and called off the fight without letting Lashley get his 60 seconds rest time between rounds to attempt to regain his composure. In all honesty (and it was apparent by the look on Lashley’s face) it wouldn’t have made a difference. It was simply Griggs’ night on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
With the loss, Lashley’s previously unblemished MMA record now moves to 5-1, with the defeat coming to a guy that isn’t as highly regarded as he would need to be for it to be just a tough fight that Lashley happened to lose on that particular night. It’s the type of loss that will undoubtedly set Lashley’s career back, which could be a good sign for pro wrestling fans.
Details on a potential Lashley vs. Batista fight in Strikeforce on page two …
