Strikeforce Challengers Preview and Predictions

Filed under: StrikeforceThe first Strikeforce event since the UFC bought the promotion takes place Friday night in Stockton, with a Challengers event that we’ve been told over and over again will be “business as usual” — with the exception of elbows t…

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Justin Wilcox kicks Shamar Bailey.The first Strikeforce event since the UFC bought the promotion takes place Friday night in Stockton, with a Challengers event that we’ve been told over and over again will be “business as usual” — with the exception of elbows to the head on the ground being allowed.

Where it won’t be business as usual, however, is that the guys in the Challengers shows now have more on the line than they did before: Impressive wins will likely result in Challengers fighters eventually moving on to the UFC. But with the UFC/Strikeforce merger concentrating almost all the major league MMA in one place, those who fail to impress on the Challengers show are going to have an awfully hard time making it as a professional fighter.

What: Strikeforce Challengers 15: Wilcox vs. Damm

Where: Stockton Arena, Stockton, California

When: Friday, the Showtime televised card begins at 11 PM ET

Predictions on the five televised fights below.