Strikeforce Heavyweight GP Reserve bout: Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo
Odds: (-150 Overeem /+120 Sefo )
Betting Pick: Overeem
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In the first reserve bout of Strikeforce’s Heavyweight Grand Prix, two long-time veterans will look to hopefully earn a spot in the tournament as Valentijn Overeem, brother of Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem, squares off against K-1 veteran Ray Sefo. Sefo only has two MMA fights under his belt, but he has a wealth of kickboxing experience and extremely formidable striking, so this could be a great fight.
To call Ray Sefo a mixed martial artist would be a misnomer. He is a pure kickboxer who just so happens to be fighting under Mixed Martial Arts rules. To expect anything resembling a ground game from him would be a mistake. He is a one-dimensional striker, but that one dimension is extremely formidable. He has knockout power with punches, kicks, and knees, great speed and accuracy, great defense, and is very technically sound.
Valentijn Overeem is an extremely seasoned veteran. His record is barely over .500 after over 50 professional fights, but that record belies how many offensive skills he has. While nowhere near his brother’s level, Overeem is an accomplished striker with good power and he can finish fights on the ground with submissions. His problems have always been questionable defense in the striking game and extremely poor submission defense. Obviously he doesn’t have to worry about the latter against Sefo.
This fight comes down to whether or not Overeem can drag Sefo to the ground before he gets his lights turned out. I would tend to think that he can. Overeem is not totally inept on his feet but he won’t last long in a kickboxing match against Sefo. I think Overeem should be able to take Sefo down, though, and expecting anything from Sefo off his back would be foolish. Overeem by submission.
Prediction: Valentijn Overeen via first round Kimura.
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