The Strikeforce/Elite XC show isn't a bad card from top to bottom not to mention the highly explosive and anticipated war between long time enemies Frank Shamrock and Phil Baroni. Though Baroni has never been a Top 5 contender in the Middleweight division, Frank was once the best in the world. Now they fight each other which will help the fans to know just where each fighter is at in their respective careers.
Frank Shamrock vs Phil Baroni Frank has the biggest ego in the world, while Phil has the biggest mouth. Both can punch hard, though Phil is stronger, but if Frank doesn't take this fight to the floor where Baroni sucks, he is an idiot. Cardio is an issue for Baroni, where as Shamrock can go for days, and that is how he wins a lot of his fights, by out working opponents to death and then moving in for the kill. I shouldn't see this fight going any different with all the advantages Frank has on the ground, but that ego of wanting to KO Phil does worry me a bit. Baroni can turn anyone's lights out with just one punch which he has done many times. A careful and diligent Shamrock should out point his way to a cautious victory.
WINNER-Shamrock by decision
Ninja Rua 13-7-1 vs Joey Villasenor 23-5 for the vacant Elite XC Middleweight Title. It all depends on who shows up. Both men have a history of being schizophrentic, and losing big time fights. Still, Joey still seems to have the advantage in most areas, especially if he takes the fight to the floor. Ninja is a sneaky vet who can pull submissions and strike (I mean he is in Chute Boxe). After that impressive win over David Louiseau, you just can't help but think Joey is on top of his game, while Rua hasn't fought the best fighters recently.
WINNER-Villasenor TKO
Paul Buentello 22-9 vs Carter Williams 3-1 I remember watching Carter for the 1st time as a 23 year old K-1 rookie who came in a dominated a legendary field to win the 2003 tournament. He has legs like tree trunks, and as a former kickboxer you know he knows how to strike. However, he has little MMA experience, and hasn't fought in any form in 3 years. Buentello is an active and precise striker who has just beautiful boxing, and actually more ground game than the green Williams. I imagine Paul wanting to out strike the K-1 star, and that will lead to his demise. Its just the 3 year long inactivity that forces be to pick Buentello in a fight that no matter who wins, will probably end in a furious 1 round affair.
WINNER-Buentello by KO
Bang Ludwig 15-6 vs Paul Daly 14-6 Yet another striker's war on the card with two very evenly matched opponents. Who gets off 1st is really the question here, unless Bang is smart enough to take it to the ground for a G&P win. I still believe it stays on the feet where both men like it best, and Bang edges ahead for the win.
WINNER-Bang via TKO
Josh "Punk" Thompson 11-2 vs Nick Gonzalez 11-4 Look Nick is a decent fighter, but if it weren't for his bad attitude, the aptly named Punk would be in the UFC competing for the Lightweight Title. The guy has the all around game and at a much higher level than Nick.
WINNER-Punk by submission
Cung Le 3-0 vs Tony Fryklund 14-8 In my opinion the hardest fight to pick of the night. Everyone wants to know how the legendary San Shou fighter against real competition in MMA. Well, here's the real deal. A Miletich fighter who has been in absolute wars and backs down from nothing. In the striking it won't even be close with Le taking it all day long. However, Fryklund is a wrestler and the ground game is the huge question mark in Cung's game. Cung has great sprawl and I'd imagine he will need it. Tony seems to be fading a bit in his career and this could really save his career, while answering a lot of those what if's that surround Le. An intriguing fight and one I would not bet on. By chance I'll take Cung to sprawl long enough to knock down (or possibly San Shou throw) Tony to the ground for a G&P win.
WINNER-Cung Le by TKO
Charles Bennett 17-13-2 vs Victor Valenzuela 5-1-2 This fight was made for Bennett to win so the can promote the exciting unpredictable fighter in Elite XC after KOing their prospect KJ Noons. Unpredictable is right as at last look, Charles was still in jail after being arrested for violating his parole in Florida. If he makes it he'll win but jesus this guy is a mess.
That's all I am going to pick for the 14 fights on this card. It will be interesting to see how much gets shown in the PPV and how about 14 fights as opposed to the 8 lame fights on the last UFC PPV? Maximize your money people, this isn't a bad card. Plus Gina Carano will be there, did I mention she is hot?
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