It wasn't easy, but Lorenz Larkin kept his undefeated run alive on Friday night, defeating Nick Rossborough via unanimous decision at the main event of Strikeforce Challengers 19. After two hard-fought rounds, the Riverside native unleashed a devastating knee to the solar plexus that downed Rossborough -- a late replacement for Virgil Zwicker. While he would survive until the end of the round, the result was never again in doubt as Larkin claimed all three judge's scorecards (30-27, 29-28, 30-27) to maintain his perfect 12-0 record.
In the night's co-main event, rising heavyweight prospect Shawn Jordan submitted Lavar Johnson via keylock midway through the second round to snatch his first Strikeforce win. The victory was the third of the last four appearances for "The Savage," and twelfth of his career.
Also noteworthy, Ryan Couture rebounded from his first career loss last June, to eek out a split decision win over Maka Watson (29-28, 29-28, 28-28). The lightweight of Hall of Fame lineage dominated stretches of the fight with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu, nearly coaxing a tapout multiple times with a variety of chokes despite incurring a nasty cut above his eye in closing minute of the first round.
Complete Strikeforce Challengers 19 Results:
Main card (Showtime):
Lorenz Larkin def. Nick Rossborough via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).
Shawn Jordan def. Lavar Johnson via submission (keylock) at 3:08 of round 2.
Ryan Couture def. Maka Watson via majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Jason High def. Todd Moore via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Brian Melancon def. Felipe Portela via unanimous decision (29-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Preliminary card:
James Terry def. Magno Almeida via KO (punches) at 3:21 of round 1.
Bobby Green def. Charon Spain via submission (arm triangle choke) at 2:54 of round 2.
Chris Spang def. Joe Ray via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Quinn Mulhern def. Danny Davis via submission (arm triangle choke) at 4:08 of round 3.