Daily Fights: Cung Le v. Mike Altman

This Saturday marks the return to action of one of MMA's most technically proficient strikers when former Strikeforce Middleweight champion Cung Le faces Scott Smith on the undercard of Strikeforce: Fedor v. Werdum.  The former kickboxer and Sanshou star always brings in stand up credentials that very few MMA fighters can match, and as such, is a treat to watch compete.  But this Saturday is also going to be very telling in the career of Cung Le.  Does he still have it in him to keep going, or is he nearing the end of the line?

We'll talk more about Cung and the art of Sanshou later this week, but for now, here's a look back at Cung Le's first ever MMA contest as he takes on Mike Altman in 2006 at the first Strikeforce show.  Another former kickboxer, Altman had faced Le before in a 2000 kickboxing contest.

As they never really consider going to the ground, this becomes an excellent showcase for Le's Sanshou skills.  The end is a great reminder that, while he is known for his kicks, Le can punch as well.

Stay tuned later this week for more.