Five months and two cancelled events later, Strikeforce is back with a stacked fight card. There’s plenty of big names, and even bigger opportunities for lesser known fighters, and if they can muster up a win, it’ll drastically change the MMA rankings. Every attempt is being made to compensate for the cancellation of the past to Strikeforce events, as it features two titles fights, and the return of former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Gegard Mousasi.
Nate Marquardt vs. Tarec Saffiedin
Rumors of a Strikeforce/ UFC welterweight title unification have been in mix, and Marquardt may have the best chance of beating the dominate GSP. Whether he does or doesn‘t, Marquardt is still a top ten welterweight and Saffiedine isn’t in the same talent pool. Marquardt is one of the most well rounded fighters in the game, and utilizes every tool in his striking; throwing punches, kicks, knees and elbows. He’s a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with good takedowns, and can win no matter where the fight goes. It doesn’t take a expert analyst to understand why Marquardt has a clear advantage in this fight. It doesn’t get any simpler than the fact that Saffiedine was handled by Tyrone Woodley, and Marquardt knocked Woodley out.
Pick : Nate Marquardt
Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring
Saying that Staring is deserving of this title opportunity is questionable. More than half of his opponents have been relatively unknown and he isn’t coming off of any wins over elite fighters. Why Strikeforce chose Staring to face Cormier is puzzling, but it doesn’t mean that Cormier can slack off and look past this fight. Staring has won a number of his fights by submission, but it doesn’t seem likely that Cormier will fall victim to Staring’s Jiu-Jitsu seeing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Josh Barnett, was unsuccessful. Staring trains with Alistair Overeem, but again, I don’t see him getting the best of Cormier on the feet. Cormier’s striking overcame Karate black belt, Antonio Silva, and he possess the power to finish this fight with just one punch; just ask Silva.
Pick : Daniel Cormier
Josh Barnett vs. Nandor Guelmino
There’s no secret to wait Barnett will look to do, get his opponent on the ground and submit him as soon as possible. Most of Guelmino’s wins have been by submission, but I don’t see him winning a grappling match against Barnett. Unfortunately for Guelmino, nearly every advantage goes to Barnett in this fight; striking, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and experience. Guelmino being the harder puncher may be a valid statement, but Barnett has enough weapons in his arsenal to swing the fight in his favor. Even though Guelmino has multiple submission wins, he also has multiple submission losses, so this fight will most likely be identical to his last two of Barnett’s wins, a quick submission.
Pick : Josh Barnett
Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Pyle
The power of Pyle always posses a problem, but the superior technical skills lie with Mousasi, both striking and grappling. Mousasi stays relatively relaxed in his fights and pick his shots, while Kyle comes out like a mad man and tries to take off his opponents head. Kyle’s knockout wins come relatively quick, so the longer this fight goes, the less chance Kyle will finding his opponents chin. Mousasi has also finished a number of his fights early by both knockout and submission, this gives him more ways to win the fight and an advantage in the technical skill set. Whether it’s by decision, submission, or knockout, Mousasi will be getting his hand raised.
Pick : Gegard Mousasi
Ed Herman vs. Ronaldo Souza
This fight is déjà vu from Herman’s fight with Jake Shields at UFC 150. Herman is primarily a grappler, and again will be facing a superior grappler. He arguably has the better striking, but Souza’s striking is improving and he clearly possess a great deal of power in his punches, his knockout of Derek Brunson is proof of that. However, even if Herman has the edge in the stand up, Souza’s Jiu-Jitsu will be Herman’s demise. Jake Shields has been criticized for having feeble wrestling, and Herman had his work cut out for him trying to avoiding Shields’ takedowns. One way or another, Souza will get the fight to the ground, and when he does, the inevitable submission will come.
Pick : Ronaldo Souza
Quick Picks
Pat Healy vs. Kurt Holobaugh – Pat Healy
Roger Gracie vs. Anthony Smith – Roger Gracie
Tim Kennedy vs. Trevor Smith – Tim Kennedy
Ryan Couture vs. K.J. Noons – Ryan Couture
Jorge Gurgel vs. Adriano Martins – Adriano Martins
Michael Bravo vs. Estevan Payan – Michael Bravo
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli