Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
July 30, 2011
Sears Center
Chicago, Illinois
Main Bouts (On Showtime):
Fedor Emelianenko (31-3) vs Dan Henderson (31-3) Despite the critics and keyboard warriors announcing the end of the "Last Emperor," he has returned for a match with the "David" of MMA, Mr. "Hendo." It's a heavyweight tilt with Dan giving up about 20 pounds or so coming off an impressive TKO over Rafael Cavalcante for the Light Heavyweight title. Fedor got caught against Fabricio Werdum and smashed against Antonio Silva though to be fair, with one eye closed and badly battered, Emelianenko still wanted to continue in the bout and the doctors made the call but, it is back to back losses for the once seemingly unbeatable legend. Avoiding the "H-Bomb" is a must but if Fedor Sambo throws "Hendo" to the floor, expect celebrations in mother Russia. Wild exchanges on the feet could favor Henderson as Fedor throws his looping strikes, but Emelianenko catches people off guard with his off angle striking and surprising speed. I think Fedor will be faster and stronger though not as technical on the feet. I really feel Fedor is in a good place mentally and will put this fight on the floor a la his Pride FC days and a classic submission finish.
WINNER-Fedor Emelianenko by Rd.2 Submission
Women's Welterweight Champion Marloes Coenen (19-4) vs. Miesha Tate (11-2) The ladies have exchanged bitter words but I am wondering why they just can't fill the cage with baby oil and let the clothes fall where they lay. I just set back women's MMA another decade. This is actually a really good fight I've been waiting for since it was cancelled the 1st time due to a Tate injury. Now both ladies compete for the strap as Coenen defends with her Golden Glory kickboxing style as Miesha brings Team Alpha (Fe)Male's aggressive wrestling. I'm not so sure people give Marloes credit for her striking and ability to never quit. This is a definite war but Coenen will wear down defending the takedowns as Tate begins to experiment with her standing offense.
Women's Welterweight Champion Marloes Coenen (19-4) vs. Miesha Tate (11-2) The ladies have exchanged bitter words but I am wondering why they just can't fill the cage with baby oil and let the clothes fall where they lay. I just set back women's MMA another decade. This is actually a really good fight I've been waiting for since it was cancelled the 1st time due to a Tate injury. Now both ladies compete for the strap as Coenen defends with her Golden Glory kickboxing style as Miesha brings Team Alpha (Fe)Male's aggressive wrestling. I'm not so sure people give Marloes credit for her striking and ability to never quit. This is a definite war but Coenen will wear down defending the takedowns as Tate begins to experiment with her standing offense.
WINNER-Miesha Tate by 25 minute Decision
Tim Kennedy (13-3) vs. Robbie Lawler (18-7) It's the guys who can't beat Ronaldo Souza for the Middleweight title. Both men are looking for a future ticket to the UFC but the annoying wannabe American hero has the best shot. Kennedy is more well rounded and has an ability to just never stop attacking his opponent. That is fine for the "Ruthless" one who likes to counter but he will be sprawling to stay off the ground that is his kryptonite. I just feel Robbie has hit his ceiling in MMA and is kinda treading water now. Tim is still hungry as evident in his "Cooking With Tim Kennedy" specials at Middle Easy.com but I do expect Lawler to hang until the end in what is likely to be a ground em out war.
Tim Kennedy (13-3) vs. Robbie Lawler (18-7) It's the guys who can't beat Ronaldo Souza for the Middleweight title. Both men are looking for a future ticket to the UFC but the annoying wannabe American hero has the best shot. Kennedy is more well rounded and has an ability to just never stop attacking his opponent. That is fine for the "Ruthless" one who likes to counter but he will be sprawling to stay off the ground that is his kryptonite. I just feel Robbie has hit his ceiling in MMA and is kinda treading water now. Tim is still hungry as evident in his "Cooking With Tim Kennedy" specials at Middle Easy.com but I do expect Lawler to hang until the end in what is likely to be a ground em out war.
WINNER-Tim Kennedy by Decision
Paul Daley (27-10-2) vs. Tyron Woodley (8-0) "Semtex" always has a technical power strikers chance but "T-Wood's" wrestling is engulfing. The STL rep is improving on the feet but no dumb enough to trade with Daley's KO power. I think it will look much like the Daley/Koscheck fight but hopefully without the after fight sucker punch.
WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Decision
Scott Smith (17-8) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (10-3) I always enjoy the "Cinderella Kid" in action whether he's getting lamped in spectacular fashion or snatching a victory in the last seconds with a hail mary, but his vacant wrestling skills are going to be his downfall yet again. Tarec has the standard Team Quest tools which will plant Smith on his ass for around 15 minutes. You never know if Scott will land with his "Hands Of Stone" but a smart bet is a long G&P session for Saffiedine.
Scott Smith (17-8) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (10-3) I always enjoy the "Cinderella Kid" in action whether he's getting lamped in spectacular fashion or snatching a victory in the last seconds with a hail mary, but his vacant wrestling skills are going to be his downfall yet again. Tarec has the standard Team Quest tools which will plant Smith on his ass for around 15 minutes. You never know if Scott will land with his "Hands Of Stone" but a smart bet is a long G&P session for Saffiedine.
WINNER-Tarec Saffiedine by Decision
Prelims:
Gesias Cavalcante (15-4-1) vs. Bobby Green (15-4) "JZ" hasn't exactly been going platinum these days but surely he will have enough to stop the "King" who is taking a giant leap up in competition. Also, never pick the guy who lists his style as "hood."
Eduardo Pamplona (15-2) vs. Tyler Stinson (20-7) The Black House member rides a 10 fight winning streak in against Tyler the Creator, who is very tapable.
Julie Kedzie (16-8) vs. Alexis Davis (9-4) I'm a fan of the lil "Fireball" but I also favor her to come in with a winning Greg Jackson game plan the earns her the judges nod.
Derek Brunson (7-0) vs. Lumumba Sayers (4-1) Being brought along at proper speed, the Renzo Gracie/Greg Jackson student comes in undefeated as a bright prospect. Though he sports a cool name, Lumumba is a much greener fighter who will be consumed by the Brunson burner.
Bryan Humes (6-1) vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones (4-0) Eh, take Jones' Muay Thai in the big boys bout.
Prelims:
Gesias Cavalcante (15-4-1) vs. Bobby Green (15-4) "JZ" hasn't exactly been going platinum these days but surely he will have enough to stop the "King" who is taking a giant leap up in competition. Also, never pick the guy who lists his style as "hood."
WINNER-Gesias Cavalcante by Rd.2
Eduardo Pamplona (15-2) vs. Tyler Stinson (20-7) The Black House member rides a 10 fight winning streak in against Tyler the Creator, who is very tapable.
WINNER-Eduardo Pamplona by Decision
Julie Kedzie (16-8) vs. Alexis Davis (9-4) I'm a fan of the lil "Fireball" but I also favor her to come in with a winning Greg Jackson game plan the earns her the judges nod.
WINNER-Julie Kedzie by Decision
Derek Brunson (7-0) vs. Lumumba Sayers (4-1) Being brought along at proper speed, the Renzo Gracie/Greg Jackson student comes in undefeated as a bright prospect. Though he sports a cool name, Lumumba is a much greener fighter who will be consumed by the Brunson burner.
WINNER-Derek Brunson by Rd.2 TKO
Bryan Humes (6-1) vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones (4-0) Eh, take Jones' Muay Thai in the big boys bout.
WINNER-Gabe Salinas-Jones
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