The wait is over and the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix will finally continue as 2 quarter-final bouts are scheduled to take place this saturday at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. Featuring 2 fights I included in the top fights in June here. You would almost have to think this tournament is keeping Strikeforce's head above water and not totally dismantled and merged into the UFC. Strikeforce's future still may be limbo but for the time being we are treating to a excellent tournament featuring some of the games best heavyweights and quality events overall.
Main Event
Alistair Overeem vs Fabricio Werdum
Overeem will make his return to the Strikeforce banner having now won 9 fights in a row all coming by way of stoppage. Werdum returns to action coming off the biggest upset of 2010 where he defeated Fedor Emelianenko and has won 3 in a row overall. The stakes are higher but this is a rematch from their 2006 bout in Pride where Werdum won by submission. Probably the biggest glaring difference in this fight to their 2006 meeting is Overeem is now an actual full time heavyweight now as he was still taking fights at light heavyweight at that time. Werdum to his credit is not the same fighter as the one in 2006 as well, he has improved his striking and with the win over Fedor his stock has never been higher.
My Prediction Overeem TKO 2nd Round- This is Overeem's chance to really make a statement to his doubters who say he doesn't have any top 10 wins, I think his striking will just overwhelm Werdum who may or may not survive the first round.
Josh Barnett vs Brett Rogers
Barnett finally makes his Strikeforce debut and return to the US after lengthy problems regaining a license due to failed drug test in 2009. Barnett has however won 6 fights in a row coming into this bout. Rogers makes his return to Strikeforce winning his last outing by decision after losing his previous 2 inside the Strikeforce cage. Rogers is going to definitely want to avoid Barnett on the ground as Josh has some great submission skills. On the flip side Barnett would want to avoid Rogers striking, although not the most technical Rogers still can KO pretty much anyone if he connects. This is the 2nd fight on this event that I included in my top fights of the month and the winner will make a good argument to re-enter the top 10 heavyweight rankings.
My Prediction Barnett Submission 2nd Round- Barnett will probably have the better gas tank and be able to survive Rogers onslaught early get him down and get a submission.
Daniel Cormier vs Jeff Monson
Cormier one of the top Heavyweight prospects was slated to face fellow prospect Shane Del Rosario but a serious car accident forced Del Rosario out of the bout. Cormier, who has won his first 7 fights including 4 with Strikeforce will now take on UFC and Pride verteran Jeff Monson. Monson looking to make a statement while back in the spotlight who has been under the radar as of late fighting on smaller shows but has won 8 in a row.
My Prediction Cormier Decision
Chad Griggs vs Valentijn Overeem
Before Alistair faces off in the main event another Overeem looks to get into the win column as older brother Valentijin takes on Chad Griggs. Valentijin basically has traded wins and loses through out his career has however won his last 3 including his Strikeforce debut against Ray Sefo. Griggs is making his 3rd appearance with Strikeforce winning his first 2 and 5 in a row.
My Prediction Overeem TKO 1st Round
Jorge Masvidal vs K.J. Noons
Noons returns to the Lightweight division after falling short in a Welterweight title fight against Nick Diaz. Masvidal is making his 4th appearance with Strikeforce his latest outing a decision victory over Billy Evangelista.
My Prediction Noons Decision
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