Strikeforce Heavyweight bout: Herschel Walker vs. Scott Carson
Odds: (-500 Walker /+300 Carson )
Betting Pick: Walker
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In the opening bout of the evening, Pro Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker makes his second appearance in mixed martial arts as he will look to move to 2-0 against journeyman Scott Carson. Walker is one of Strikeforce’s biggest attractions, while Carson has fought only once in the last 10 years, a first round knockout loss. Carson does have some skills, but you have to believe Strikeforce is trying to give Walker someone beatable.
Carson first debuted as a mixed martial artist all the way back in 1999, putting together an undefeated 4-0 record by 2001. He then took over 9 years off from the sport, returning in 2010 only to be knocked out in the first round by relative unknown Lorenz Larkin. Clearly a 9 year layoff means that Carson is not the dangerous ground fighter he appeared to be in 2000, but it’s a safe bet that he does still have some submission skills and that he will not be a total pushover.
Walker, who is clearly more famous for his football glory than for his fighting prowess, nevertheless looked fairly formidable in his debut fight, albeit against an unknown and unheralded opponent. Walker put his old man strength to good use, bullying his opponent and holding him down while working him over with ground and pound for a T/KO victory.
It seems clear that Walker is being put in a position to win here, since he is one of Strikeforce’s biggest box office attractions. His opponent is a guy who hasn’t won a fight in 9 years and was destroyed in his only fight in a decade. Walker is going to have to avoid sticking his neck directly in a choke or anything like that, but short of a terrible mistake on the ground he will pummel Carson for a one-sided T/KO victory.
Prediction: Herschel Walker via second round T/KO.
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