Tyron Woodley faced off against Jordan Mein Saturday night at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. Woodley was able to take the fight to the ground against an inept takedown defense by Mein. What ensued was three rounds of Woodley doing just enough not to get stood up and inevitably win the fight.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
Woodley’s best Jon Fitch impersonation resulted in a win.
Complain all you want about the “lay-and-pray” style of fighting that Woodley showed us tonight against Mein, but one also has to fault Mein for not being able to stuff the takedowns.
What We Learned About Tyron Woodley
He will continue to put winning ahead of highlights.
Nine out of Woodley’s 10 fights have now come via decision or submission. It has become increasingly evident Woodley is not concerned with putting an exciting buzz in the arena and is comfortable with winning his way on the ground. Even if that means having to hear the crowd chant “stand them up” at each of his fights.
What We Learned About Jordan Mein
Stuffing the takedown is not his strong point.
He will not be a serious contender with a major promotion unless he learns how to consistently defend against a takedown. Mein has a very balanced history of winning by both submission and TKO, but now that he is on a bigger stage, his flaws will be more evident, as they were tonight against Woodley.
What’s Next for Woodley
It won’t be exciting, but Woodley may face Jason High in his next fight. High is also a wrestler and has had 12 of his 15 wins come via submission or knockout. If Woodley is to make a push for the UFC, he will have to show a more diversified skill set in the cage.
What’s Next for Mein
Mein was considered to be a top fighter for Strikeforce in the welterweight division. His performance against Woodley will drop him down, but how far can he really fall given the volatile state of the Strikeforce roster?
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