Alistair Overeem defeated Fabricio Werdum (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
My Prediction Overeem TKO 2nd Round
It definitely wasn't the statement either fighter wanted to make in this bout. In a fight that I had as one of the top fights in the month in June it will probably now go down as one of the more disappointing main events of the year. Neither fighter was able to gain any significant advantage throughout the fight when it went into what we all perceived as their respected strengths. Werdum was not able to use his submission game until the dying seconds of the 3rd round when he got a hold of one of Alistair's legs. Werdum was only 1 for 12 on his takedowns as Alistair was easily able to stuff Werdum's takedowns, and when Werdum was able to briefly pull guard on a few occassions Alistair was able to break free and stand right back up. Just as surprising as the ineffective ground game Werdum had, there was times during the bout that Werdum was out striking Alistair and as the Compustrike and FightMeteric stats told us the total strikes landed were very close or even in Werdum's advantage. It basically came down to the strikes that Alistair did land were more effective. Gas tanks were also an issue through the bout for both competitors, the toll of all the takedown attempts gassed Werdum and he was slower to get up after each failed attempt. The amount of grappling early one also was a noticeable wear on Overeem as he was breathing quite heavily early in the 2nd round. I'm sticking with my guns when I said the winner of this bout would be my 3rd ranked Heavyweight but there was a bit of reluctance on my part.$
Future match ups to make:
Overeem- Alistair will have his hands full when he faces Antonio Silva in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Werdum- Still a top ranked Heavyweight I can see Werdum matched up with one of the losers from the semi-final round of the tournament.
Josh Barnett defeated Brett Rogers by Submission 2nd Round
My Prediction Barnett Submission 2nd Round
It wasn't exactly pretty but it went pretty much as expected. Barnett spent pretty much the whole first round in full mount but wasn't able to go for any submissions or much ground and pound. The 2nd started the same as a first with Barnett ended up in full mount pretty much right away but this time he was able to secure the arm triangle choke and the tap from Rogers.
Future match ups to make:
Barnett- Josh will now face Sergei Kharitonov in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Chad Griggs defeated Valentijn Overeem by Submission (strikes) 2:08 1st Round
My Prediction Overeem TKO 1st Round
Not really much to say with this one, Griggs was all over the old Overeem brother and it seemed it was over before it really got started. Really nice dominating performance by the prospect Griggs.
Jorge Masvidal defeated K.J. Noons by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
My Prediction Noons Decision
A pretty much complete domination for Masvidal as he bloodied and hurt Noons in the 1st and cruised on from there. Somewhat of a surprise that Masvidal was able to outstrike Noons through out this bout and he really hurt Noons in the first with a big kick that landed on Noons's next and followed up with a big punch on the ground. From there Masvidal was able to mix it up with takedowns and striking for the rest of the fight. To Noons's credit however he was able to get the fight standing after the takedowns and never quit. $$$
Future match ups to make:
Masvidal- If Strikeforce is going to give the next Lightweight title shot to someone from their current roster Jorge has to be near if not the top of that list.
Daniel Cormier defeated Jeff Monson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
My Prediction Cormier Decision
We knew Cormier was a great wrestler but he came out in the fight and really showcased an improved striking game. He didn't get a flashy KO as we know Monson is a tough guy to put away but what he did show was a diverse striking game plan mixing it up with kicks and punches that pretty much out struck Monson 3-1. $$
Future match ups to make:
Cormier- I don't think Strikeforce is ready to put Cormier up against the likes of the competitors in the tournament so a bout with fellow prospect Chad Griggs could be made
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