Beatdown: Cruickshank, Ortiz, Gaethje, Sefo

TJ De Santis and Jeff Sherwood were back for Wednesday’s edition of “Beatdown” on the Sherdog Radio Network. Joining them were mixed martial artists Daron Cruickshank, Dustin Ortiz, Justin Gaethje and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

Justin Gaethje has been on preparing for a carousel of opponents for his WSOF lightweight title fight. The Colorado based fighter was originally set to rematch Gesias Cavalcante on January 18th. The Brazilian fell out do to injury and was replaced by Lewis Gonzalez. Gonzalez was then injured and now it is Richard Patishnock that is scheduled to face Gaethje next Saturday night in Florida. Justin joined “Beatdown” Wednesday to discuss the latest opponent change, how his training has gone, and how he feels about vying for the inaugural WSOF lightweight title. Gaethje also chats about his personal experience with Georges St. Pierre and how he feels about GSP leaving mixed martial arts for an indefinite period of time.

Daron Cruickshank returns to the UFC’s octagon part of the UFC Fight Night 35 card. “Detroit Superstar” joined De Santis and Sherwood to discuss his lightweight affair with Mike Rio. Cruickshank breaks down the fight, if this is a loser leaves town match, and where his head is at coming in to the match.

Dustin Ortiz proved victorious in Brazil last November in his UFC debut. The flyweight has now drawn former title challenger John Moraga for his UFC sophomore effort. Ortiz chatted with TJ and Jeff to discuss the fight, getting upgraded to the main card from the prelims, and how he feels the landscape of flyweight looks right now in mixed martial arts. The RofusSport pupil also discusses what he will have to do to earn a shot at UFC champion Demetrious Johnson.

World Series of Fighting has made waves this week when matchmaker Ali Abdelaziz went on MMAFighting.com’s “The MMA Hour” and suggested that Bellator and WSOF co-promote a pay-per-view with a promotion vs promotion card. President Ray Sefo joined “Beatdown” Wednesday to chat about the call out, the promotions upcoming January 18th card, and what the NBC Sports Network based promotion will try to accomplish in 2014. Sefo also speaks about his aspirations of a world grand prix type format which would include a one night tournament.

TJ and Jeff also discuss Dominick Cruz’s latest injury and title vacation, his future in fighting, and what this means for UFC bantamweights. The guys also discuss the chatter of Anderson Silva vs. GSP, and they take listener predictions via “The Go Daddy Hotline.”