John Richard To Face Dr. Rhadi Ferguson Friday - Strikeforce

[keithlewis]

U.S. JUDO OLYMPIAN DR. RHADI FERGUSON
GETS NEW OPPONENT FOR THIS FRIDAY’S EVENT
DURING FREE PREVIEW WEEKEND LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

John Richard Will Replace Ion Cherdivara at Nashville Municipal Auditorium

NEW YORK (Jan. 5, 2011) – Undefeated light heavyweight and four-time U.S. National Judo Champ and 2004 U.S. Judo Olympian, Dr. Rhadi Ferguson (2-0), will face John Richard (3-1) of Camden, S.C., in a featured match on the STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink this Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., during a Free Preview Weekend live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The 6-foot-1, 28-year-old Richard (pronounced “ruh-shard”) is a replacement for Canada’s Ion Cherdivara, who withdrew from the card late Tuesday due to visa problems.

Richard, a talented, explosive wrestler, has made short work of his opposition in his three victories, winning all in the first round. In his last outing on Oct. 23, he submitted (choke) Steven Banks at 1:19. In his outing before last on Aug. 28, he got Ryan Bedini to tap out via rear-naked choke at 3:38.

Since turning pro on April 24, 2010, Richard has mostly campaigned as a 230-pound heavyweight. This will be his long-awaited return to 205 pounds.

“In my last couple fights I was outweighed by 30-40 pounds, so getting back down to 205 is a big deal for me,’’ Richard said. “I’m really looking forward to fighting at this weight and excited to get the opportunity to step up and showcase my skills. I’m extremely grateful to STRIKEFORCE for getting this chance.

“You’ll see. At 205, I’m one of the biggest and strongest at this weight around.’’

Despite the short nice, Richard is confident he can manufacture what many would consider a major upset.

“I know about my opponent, but I’m in fighting shape and as ready as I can be,’’ he said. “I will definitely not be in awe of him or the atmosphere. In fact, I am totally calm.

“I’m strong on the ground and I feel my standup is decent. I am looking forward to a great fight.’’

Richard, who wrestled at Limestone College in South Carolina, trains at two gyms in South Carolina – the Revolution and Linic. He is married with one child.

A member of America Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Fla., Ferguson is the only athlete to compete in the Olympic Games, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) World Championships and the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships.