Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals
September 10, 2011
U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, Ohio
Main Bouts (Showtime):
Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinals:
Josh Barnett (30-5) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (18-4) The "Warmaster" has returned to form according to the pundits, but I don't believe he ever left. Barring a post fight failed drug test, I fully expect Josh to drag Sergei to the floor, rough him up, and tap the Russian. Kharitonov isn't nearly as tough as people believe (see his record) and a decent striker, but Barnett doesn't have a glass jaw and far too many skills for Sergei. Now cut a killer promo mofo.
U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, Ohio
Main Bouts (Showtime):
Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinals:
Josh Barnett (30-5) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (18-4) The "Warmaster" has returned to form according to the pundits, but I don't believe he ever left. Barring a post fight failed drug test, I fully expect Josh to drag Sergei to the floor, rough him up, and tap the Russian. Kharitonov isn't nearly as tough as people believe (see his record) and a decent striker, but Barnett doesn't have a glass jaw and far too many skills for Sergei. Now cut a killer promo mofo.
WINNER-Josh Barnett by Rd.2 Submission
Antonio Silva (16-2) vs. Daniel Cormier (8-0) This is the hardest fight on the card to pick. Cormier has only impressed me with his skills and demeanor but "Bigfoot" hasn't exactly struggled recently. Silva's giant chin did fail him against Mike Kyle but he recovered valiantly. Daniel's wrestling is well known but his AKA trained hands are constantly improving. Antonio slaps you and Japan quakes (too soon?) and he is adept on the ground if not amazing. I just don't know if Cormier can take the giant down or keep the proper distance with his striking. I'm rooting for Daniel but I'm just not sure he is ready....yet.
WINNER-Antonio Silva by Decision
Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza (14-2) vs. Luke Rockhold (7-1) The champ finally returns against an inexperienced fighter who gets a title shot because, basically, he was there. Luke is alright and developing but I highly doubt he is ready for "Jacare's" gator Jiu-Jitsu or his improving hands via the Wand Fight Team. Most of Rockhold's win have come by submission but if he believes he can go move for move with "Jacare" its going to be a quick night. In 5 rounds Ronaldo will find a finish.
Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza (14-2) vs. Luke Rockhold (7-1) The champ finally returns against an inexperienced fighter who gets a title shot because, basically, he was there. Luke is alright and developing but I highly doubt he is ready for "Jacare's" gator Jiu-Jitsu or his improving hands via the Wand Fight Team. Most of Rockhold's win have come by submission but if he believes he can go move for move with "Jacare" its going to be a quick night. In 5 rounds Ronaldo will find a finish.
WINNER-Ronaldo Souza by Rd.4 Submission
Muhammed Lawal (7-1) vs. Roger Gracie (4-0) I am not a Roger Gracie believer. He does have amazing Jiu-Jitsu but his stand up is laughable and I have a sneaking suspicion that the Gracie is the one who will be dominated on the ground. Once "King Mo" begins to bring the pain on the mat, Roger will realize he doesn't care for getting hit and name me a Gracie that has ever had decent cardio.
WINNER-Muhammed Lawal by Rd.2 TKO
Maximo Blanco (7-1) vs. Pat Healy (27-17) "Maxi" finally found a home after the disappearance of Sengoku and has come to America with a lot of expectations. Blanco trains at the legendary Yoshida Dojo and "Bam Bam" reps Team Quest and Mizzou. Healy is filling in for the oft injured Josh Thomson and is tough as they come, though perhaps not as skilled as he could be. Pat does have a sizable reach advantage but I'm looking for Blanco to exploit that size using it to his advantage to topple the tall tower (is that metaphor alright this weekend?). Size is a disadvantage when a lil' wrestling machine keeps diving at your toes and Maximo is one to watch for the future.
WINNER-Maximo Blanco by Decision
Prelims (HDNet):
Prelims (HDNet):
Rafael Cavalcante (10-3) vs. Yoel Romero (4-0) "Feijao" was riding high as the Light Heavyweight champion who defeated a King, but an "H-Bomb" brought him back down to Earth and versus a highly underrated and virtually unknown Romero. Yoel may not have much experience but he is a Olympic silver medalist. Rafael is no joke and I like his hands and how can you argue with the recent success of Black House?
WINNER-Rafael Calvacante by Decision
Evangelista Santos (18-14) vs. Jordan Mein (22-7) "Cyborg" looks to make a run at the vacant Welterweight title he came near while "Young Gun" is a late bloomer from Canada who has been upsetting people like Marius Zaromskis and Josh Burkman. I've never been impressed with "Cyborg" and people saying he knows Jiu-Jitsu is like saying Nick Diaz knows responsibility. Jordan is a stud on the floor and can knock you out as well where as "Cyborg" needs to bum rush you in the 1st few rounds or he's done. Santos isn't learning any new tricks at this point in his career or evolving.
WINNER-Jordan Mein by Decision
Mike Kyle (18-8-1) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (8-0) "Mak" is a dirtbag and a cheater but I actually give "Pezao" a pretty good shot here. Kyle has heavy, heavy hands but little else. Survive the stand up war and win on points. *UPDATE I chickend out. I hate "Mak" but he's going to win.
WINNER-Mike Kyle by Decision
* Mike is the 1st person to bite his opponent in the UFC. What an honor.
Amanda Nunes (6-1) vs. Alexis Davis (10-4) The "Lioness" is gonna whup dat ass. Alexis impressed me beating Julie Kedzie but Nunes has sick power and just lumps the ladies up. "Femborg" gets the winner.
WINNER-Amanda Nunes by Rd.1 TKO
Dominique Steele (3-1) vs. Chris Mierzwiak (3-0) Dominique is a man by the way. Striker versus grappler respectively and both are too green to make any real noise anytime soon. Pick who you want I don't know enough.
WINNER-Lady Man by Decision
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