Strikeforce Overeem Vs. Werdum Results: Isaac Vallie-Flagg Wins Controversial Split Decision Over Brian Melancon

The first fight of the night and on the HDNet broadcast at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum is Brian Melancon vs Isaac Vallie-Flagg. This is a welterweight fight, meaning 170lbs. This fight is the Strikeforce debut for both fighters. The referee in charge of the action is Don Turnage.

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ROUND 1- Melancon opens up early with powerful, albeit wild strikes. Vallie-Flagg drops to the ground, so Melancon follows him to the ground in side control. Melancon briefly had a mounted crucifix, but briefly took the back and now the mount in the scramble. Vallie-Flagg avoids trouble, but as the scramble continues Melnacon takes the back and Vallie-Flagg tries to base out. Melancon trying to lock up the bicep grip and then switches to the Gable Grip, but can't get the rear naked choke. Vallie-Flagg is able to stand and the two separate after a few strikes in the clinch. Overhand right from Melancon nearly ceipples Vallie-Flagg after a weak inside leg kick attempt. Both fighters appear winded and continue to commit to the attacks we've seen throughout the fight. A few missed flying knees from Vallie-Flagg.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 Melancon.

ROUND 2 - Vallie-Flag opens with a double jab, overhand right combo that lands, but not with a ton of authority. The fighters clinch and Vallie-Flagg uses an outside trip against the fence, but Melancon pops right back up. Vallie-Flagg still pressing Melancon into the fence, occasionally unloading strikes or adjusting for a takedown attempt, but not getting much. Vallie-Flagg goes back to the double jab-overhand right combo and uses it to clinch. Melancon changes levels for a double, but can't get it. Vallie-Flagg attempts a single against the fence, but can't get it. The referee separates them. Hard uppercut from Melancon finds the mark. Vallie-Flagg lands two outside leg kicks, but eats a stiff jab. The round ends with both fighters clinch fighting.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 Vallie-Flagg.

ROUND 3 -Outside leg kick by Vallie-Flagg, but he eats a short jab. Melancon changes levels with no set-up and drives a double back to the cage, but Vallie-Flagg stuffs it. Vallie-Flagg back to clinch fighting briefly before the two separate. Liver shot from Melancon and they're clinching again. Lateral drop from Melancon yanks Vallie-Flagg to the mat and in side control. Melancon stands back out after a scramble and they're back to clinching. Referee Turnage separates them. Both fighters are trading shots in the space, but the referee separates them again. Melancon gets a double in the center and takes the back with no hooks before the round ends.

SBNation.com scores this round 10-9 Melancon and the fight 29-28 Melancon.

The judges call it 29-28 Melancon, 29-28 Vallie-Flagg, 29-28 Vallie-Flagg.

Strikeforce Overeem vs. Werdum results: Isaac Vallie-Flagg defeats Brian Melancon by split decision (29-28 Melancon, 29-28 Vallie-Flagg, 29-28 Vallie-Flagg).