Josh Barnett vs. Sergei Kharitonov: Barnett (-320) favorite over Kharitonov (+260)
For most Kharitonov was the unknown when this tournament began. That changed when he KO’d Andrei Arlovski in the first round of the tournament. Kharitonov is the better striker of the two, but Barnett has shown he can use his catch wrestling skills as an equalizer. Expect the same type of game plan from Branett as he used in his first round bout with Brett Rogers, he’ll try and take the bout the ground and work for the submission, which I predict he will earn in the second round.
Antonio Silva vs. Daniel Cormier: Silva (-160) favorite over Cormier (+130)
Silva totally dominated Fedor in the first round of the tournament, earning the stoppage victory. Cormier takes a huge jump up in competition when he steps in against Silva. I believe Cormier’s training with AKA and specifically with UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will serve him well in this bout. He faces the best in the world every day, so Silva is nothing special. I expect Cormier to use his Olympic wrestling background to grind out the decision.
Ronaldo Souza vs. Luke Rockhold: Souza (-425) favorite over Rockhold (+325)
Neither of these fighters has been in the cage for quite a while, Souza last fought in January, whole Rockhold’s last bout was in February 2010. Simply put Souza, the Strikeforce middleweight champion, is a top five middleweight and Rockhold is not. Look to Souza to submit the overmatched Rockhold in the second round.
Muhammed Lawal vs. Roger Gracie: Lawal (-182) favorite over Gracie (+152)
Don’t let the last name fool you, Roger Gracie is still pretty green in the world of MMA, “King Mo” is not. If Grace gets this to the ground, he has a good chance to win. The problem with that is, Lawal is a former standout NCAA wrestler. That background will allow him to keep the fight standing, where he can use his striking to earn the second round TKO.
Pat Healy vs. Maximo Blanco: Blanco (-135) favorite over Healy (+105)
Healy is taking this fight on short notice after defeating Eric Wisely via unanimous decision on August 12. Healy is replacing Josh Thomson, the last man to defeat him. Blanco will make his US and Strikeforce debut on this card. Look for the “new guy”, Blanco to take this one by first round TKO.