Saturday, January 07, 2012

Strikeforce Rockhold vs Jardine: Picks & Prognostications


Main Card (Showtime)
Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine Obviously, the "Dean Of Mean" doesn't deserve this title shot coming off a Draw and a 2-3 record in the last few years, but Strikeforce is struggling, so building Rockhold's name off the known veteran is business. Jardine is making his debut at Middleweight which does not fix his glass jaw or help him in any real way. Luke shocked me and the world owning Ronaldo Souza and taking his title after a year layoff so I'm not sure Rockhold should be commentating on people's right for title shots but I digress. Luke is far faster and employs a wide array of kicks that keep his opponents at bay while breaking them down. We have no idea how the weight cut will affect Jardine as the bout progresses but at this point in his shop worn career, it doesn't really matter. Luke will begin putting things together as he grows as the fight builds while Keith withers if he doesn't end up unconscious per usual.
WINNER-Luke Rockhold by Rd.4 TKO

Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov The "Ruthless" one has lost two in a row and still is a one dimensional fighter who is now aged via the striking wars of his past. Adlan has won 9 in a row and is a vaunted striker himself in what is sure to be the striker's event of the night! Its a big step up in competition but I see Lawler starching Amagov en route to re-announcing himself in the Middleweight division for '12.
WINNER-Robbie Lawler by Rd.1 KO

Muhammed Lawal
vs. Lorenz Larkin "King Mo" looks to use his staunch wrestling and improving striking from AKA against the big "Monsoon" who is a great striker and undefeated at 12-0. Mo has no business standing with the far more advanced striker and it would behoove Lawal to keep this bout grounded. A smart plan wins the day for Muhammed as long as he doesn't get too confident in his striking and avoids danger looking for the "impressive" win another day.
WINNER-Muhammed Lawal by Decision

Tyron Woodley
vs. Jordan Mein People are beginning to question the game of "T-Wood" who has been gasing recently in bouts though he survived a tough test against Paul Daley last out. Woodley has shown improved striking but relies very heavily on his dominant wrestling. Mein has won 6 in a row Upsetting his last two opponents and looking very good recently. Mein has a better shot than people are giving him but the Mizzou wrestler just won't be denied using the smother offense when needed to a close judges nod.
WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Decision

Tyler Stinson
vs. Tarec Saffiedine Tarec has been impressive only stumbling in a very game performance against Tyron Woodley while improving steadily with Team Quest. Tyler is a well traveled veteran who just isn't quite at this level though he provides another solid test for Saffiedine. I see Tarec controlling this entire bout looking to make a statement in the sparse Welterweight scene.
WINNER-Tarec Saffiedine by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims
Nah-Shon Burrell vs. James Terry Besides a kick ass name, Nah-Shon has been tearing through the minor leagues and steps up in competition for his 2nd Strikeforce bout. Terry is a decent striker training with Cung Le but he may be out gunned in this shootout.
WINNER-Nah-Shon Burrell by Rd.3
Gian Villante vs. Trevor Smith Gian came into Strikeforce with a lot of hype and immediately lost his 1st two bouts in grand fashion. After a "Challengers" win Villante returns against the streaking Smith who has quietly amassed a 9-1 record on submissions. Gian must stay off the floor and I think he does using the S&B to a confident decision.
WINNER-Gian Villante by Decision
Ricky Legere vs. Chris Spang The "Kiss" (odd) comes in 4-0 against the more experienced though not exactly at the highest level.
WINNER-Chris Sprang by Decision
Estevan Payan vs. Alonzo Martinez This is a Catchweight bout of 160 lbs. Estevan rides in on a 5 fight winning streak against a uber-well traveled veteran.
WINNER-Estevan Payan by Decision

Its a new year for MMA Fantasy Picks and MMAFO's record can now also be verified through Sherdog's MMA Pick Em game as well as MMA Playground as usual.

No comments: