Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum
June 18, 2011
American Airlines Center
Dallas, Texas
A mere 6 months after it began, we continue the 1st round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Everything is bigger in Texas at this card filled with Heavyweight action and free fights on HDNet. Gina Carano pulled out of her fight and nobody knows why though the rumor mill says she is pregnant so sorry fellas.
Main Bouts (Showtime)
Strikeforce Heayvweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals:
Strikeforce & DREAM Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem (34-11) vs. Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) [Rematch] I still find Werdum one of the most overrated fighters of all time even after the "triangle heard round the world." Fabricio's striking is still rudimentary and he's not so durable especially against a "Demolition Man" who ruins people with one knee to the body. Alistair sprawls away from early trouble and then curb stomps Werdum into re-thinking his recently cocky attitude.
Main Bouts (Showtime)
Strikeforce Heayvweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals:
Strikeforce & DREAM Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem (34-11) vs. Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) [Rematch] I still find Werdum one of the most overrated fighters of all time even after the "triangle heard round the world." Fabricio's striking is still rudimentary and he's not so durable especially against a "Demolition Man" who ruins people with one knee to the body. Alistair sprawls away from early trouble and then curb stomps Werdum into re-thinking his recently cocky attitude.
WINNER-Alistair Overeem by Rd.1 KO
Josh Barnett (29-5) vs. Brett Rogers (11-2) Does anyone really think the "Grim" has anything other than a puncher's chance here? The former tire mechanic has been training hard and doing all the right things but a ready and cleared Barnett is one of the best Heavyweights in the world. The Pete Rose of MMA falls out of rankings because he always fails drugs tests and battles commissions leading to him competing infrequently and mainly in the far east. But make no mistake, the cat has skillz everywhere and a killer instinct most lack despite the usually loud bravado. The catch-pro-wrestler will take Brett to the floor and embarrass him with elite grappling skills before cutting a promo on the next unlucky mother fucker.
WINNER-Josh Barnett by Decision
Daniel Cormier (7-0) vs. Jeff Monson (42-11) Our resident wrestling super-star is back to take on the road tested grizzled veteran that is the epitome of Anarchy! The "Snowman" is always going to be a Heavyweight gatekeeper, and thus the perfect test for Oklahoma's own. I like Daniel's endurance to become a factor with the notoriously oxygen hungry muscles of Jeff slowing him as the bout drags on. Its going to be a fun war but the younger, fresher fighter pulls away at the end for a clear winner.
Valentijn Overeem (29-25) vs. Chad Griggs (10-1) "Mutton Chops" is back displaying a little skill and a lot of heart against the "other" Overeem brother. Valentijn doesn't try that hard so never look for him to come into a bout with a plan, proper training, or ambition. Overeem has all the skills to win this but will probably find the juggernaut all over him much to his dismay. I wouldn't tell someone to bet on this, but I am. This is just be a paycheck at this point to Valentine.
Conor Huen (8-4) vs. Magno Almeida (9-1) The "Hurricane" has come in with as a slight breeze losing his last two bouts while Magno (great name) has won 5 in a row but is stepping onto the big stage for the 1st time. Heun is the favorite but I like Magno (great name) he impose his grappling game that Conor cannot win.
Nah-Shon Burrell (5-1) vs. Joe Ray (4-0) "Too fat, fat you must cut lean.
You got to take the elevator to the mezzanine, Chump, change, and it's on, Super Nah-Shon Super Nah-Shon, Super Nah-Shon."
Todd Moore (13-4) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (12-2-1) Stand and bang? Pick the "Greek."
Brian Melancon (5-1) vs. Isaac Vallie-Flag (11-3-1) I am picking this entire card based upon who has the more interesting name.
Main Card
K.J. Noons (10-3) vs. Jorge Masvidal (21-6) I'm almost so blinded by my hatred of KJ that I cannot rationally pick his fights. "Gamebred" brings game but its average on all fronts while Noons lacks an all around game but sports sterling stand up striking. Jorge will look to brawl preceding his demise.
K.J. Noons (10-3) vs. Jorge Masvidal (21-6) I'm almost so blinded by my hatred of KJ that I cannot rationally pick his fights. "Gamebred" brings game but its average on all fronts while Noons lacks an all around game but sports sterling stand up striking. Jorge will look to brawl preceding his demise.
WINNER-KJ Noons by Rd.2 TKO
Daniel Cormier (7-0) vs. Jeff Monson (42-11) Our resident wrestling super-star is back to take on the road tested grizzled veteran that is the epitome of Anarchy! The "Snowman" is always going to be a Heavyweight gatekeeper, and thus the perfect test for Oklahoma's own. I like Daniel's endurance to become a factor with the notoriously oxygen hungry muscles of Jeff slowing him as the bout drags on. Its going to be a fun war but the younger, fresher fighter pulls away at the end for a clear winner.
WINNER-Daniel Cormier by Decision
Valentijn Overeem (29-25) vs. Chad Griggs (10-1) "Mutton Chops" is back displaying a little skill and a lot of heart against the "other" Overeem brother. Valentijn doesn't try that hard so never look for him to come into a bout with a plan, proper training, or ambition. Overeem has all the skills to win this but will probably find the juggernaut all over him much to his dismay. I wouldn't tell someone to bet on this, but I am. This is just be a paycheck at this point to Valentine.
WINNER-Chad Griggs by Rd.3 TKO
Prelims (HDNet):
Gesias Cavalcante (15-4-1) vs. Justin Wilcox (11-3) I have not seen "JZ" look like himself since he has come back from the most recent of knee surgeries and injuries. "JZ" used to be a Top 5 Lightweight in 2007, but times have been cruel as after rehab he has lost 3 of 4. The Lil' "Silverback" has ran off 6 wins in a row dominating with his amateur wrestling and non-stop kill ethic. An opponent that is fast, strong, and can take you down while dominating from the top is kryptonite to Cavalcante who stares at ceiling lights all evening.
Prelims (HDNet):
Gesias Cavalcante (15-4-1) vs. Justin Wilcox (11-3) I have not seen "JZ" look like himself since he has come back from the most recent of knee surgeries and injuries. "JZ" used to be a Top 5 Lightweight in 2007, but times have been cruel as after rehab he has lost 3 of 4. The Lil' "Silverback" has ran off 6 wins in a row dominating with his amateur wrestling and non-stop kill ethic. An opponent that is fast, strong, and can take you down while dominating from the top is kryptonite to Cavalcante who stares at ceiling lights all evening.
WINNER-Justin Wilcox by Decision
Conor Huen (8-4) vs. Magno Almeida (9-1) The "Hurricane" has come in with as a slight breeze losing his last two bouts while Magno (great name) has won 5 in a row but is stepping onto the big stage for the 1st time. Heun is the favorite but I like Magno (great name) he impose his grappling game that Conor cannot win.
WINNER-Magno (great name) Almeida by Decision
Nah-Shon Burrell (5-1) vs. Joe Ray (4-0) "Too fat, fat you must cut lean.
You got to take the elevator to the mezzanine, Chump, change, and it's on, Super Nah-Shon Super Nah-Shon, Super Nah-Shon."
WINNER-Nah-Shon super bon bon
Todd Moore (13-4) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (12-2-1) Stand and bang? Pick the "Greek."
WINNER-Mike Bronzoulis by Rd.2 TKO
Brian Melancon (5-1) vs. Isaac Vallie-Flag (11-3-1) I am picking this entire card based upon who has the more interesting name.
WINNER-Vallie-Flag by Isaac
Best Bets:
This doesn't seem like too hard of a card to pick save for maybe the prelims, but we gotta lose that 3rd loss MMAFO keeps accruing recently. For the gamblers, look toward Chad Griggs @-130 and maybe parlay that with Daniel Cormier or Alistair Overeem.
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