Strikeforce Middleweight bout: Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef
Odds: (-240 Kennedy /+190 Manhoef )
Betting Pick: Kennedy
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In what has the makings of a very competitive Middleweight bout, combat veteran Tim Kennedy will look to recover from a loss to Ronaldo Souza in his last fight against slumping kickboxer Melvin Manhoef. Kennedy is extremely tough and well-rounded, and while Manhoef has had some poor results lately, he is nevertheless an extremely devastating striker, so this one could provide some fireworks.
Melvin Manhoef is one of the most explosive and dynamic strikers in the sport. An experienced veteran, Manhoef has seen the second round only 7 times in 33 career fights. His striking prowess, and especially his punching power, can not be overstated. Pretty much anyone who tries to stand in front of Manhoef is going to suffer for it, as gigantic K-1 Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt learned in under 20 seconds. Manhoef’s problem is that his takedown defense is terrible, he has no submission defense, and really no ground game at all. He is either going to knock someone out fast or he is going to get planted on his back and destroyed, for the most part.
Tim Kennedy, a U.S. Army veteran with an extremely well-rounded game, has cemented himself as one of Strikeforce’s top Middleweights. He is an effective striker with a good amount of power, but there is zero chance of him surviving more than one or two striking exchanges with Manhoef. Luckily, his best work comes on the ground. He has good takedowns, good ground and pound, and very effective submissions.
This is sort of like the old-school style vs. style matches. Not that Kennedy can’t box, because he can, but because the winner will be determined by how fast Kennedy can execute a takedown. If he gets hit more than a few times by Manhoef he is done for, but if he can get Manhoef to the ground he will dominate him. I expect exactly that. Manhoef just isn’t complete enough to face real grapplers, and he will get taken down and choked out in short order.
Prediction: Tim Kennedy via first round rear naked choke.
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