The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix continues on Saturday, June 18 with a sensational main event between Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum.
This is a rematch from a 2006 Pride fight where Werdum submitted Overeem with a kimura, but “The Reem” has went on the record several times saying that the result will be a very different one this time around.
The winner here will solidify themselves as a top 10 heavyweight in MMA, answering the question: is Alistair Overeem truly “Alistair Overrated,” or did Werdum just get lucky when he submitted Fedor Emelianenko?
Also on the card, Josh Barnett will be taking on the hard hitting Brett Rogers. This will be Barnett’s first fight in the states since October of 2006.
“The Baby-Faced Assassin” has expressed a ton of confidence heading into this one, indicating that his name deserves to be in the company of elite heavyweight fighters.
Rogers, a large underdog in the tournament, would love to ruin Barnett’s comeback and unexpectedly advance to the semifinals.
A lightweight bout that has been largely overlooked by fans and analysts alike is K.J. Noons versus Jorge Masvidal.
This fight is being regarded as an unofficial number one contender bout for the Strikeforce lightweight title, currently held by Gracie Jiu Jitsu’s own Gilbert Melendez.
The remaining fights on the main card will showcase wrestling standout Daniel Cormier taking on submission specialist Jeff Monsoon, and veteran Valentijn Overeem taking on up and comer Chad Griggs.
This week, the B/R panel will consist of MMA featured columnists Dale De Souza (1-5), Sean Smith, and me, John Heinis (7-10).
MMA event analysts extraordinaire Dana Becker (6-10) and Jeffrey McKinney (5-5), will also be weighing in on the heavily anticipated Strikeforce event.
Let’s take a look at how the B/R staff feels this card will play out.