Strikeforce: Fedor vs Henderson Preview

Strikeforce returns to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois for Fedor vs Henderson.  Main event features 2 MMA legends as Dan Henderson moves up to the Heavyweight division to take on none other that Fedor Emelianenko.  The co-main event features 2 of the best women fighters in all of MMA as champion Marloes Coenen takes on Miesha Tate in Welterweight action.

Main Event

Fedor Emelianenko vs Dan Henderson

31-3 Record 27-8

34 Age 40

6'0 Height 6'1

74" Reach 74"

230 Weight 204.5

-225 Odds +185

How they got here: Fedor is on the first losing streak of his long career now having lost 2 fights in a row.  A 3rd straight loss could very well mean the end of Emelianenko's great career.  After losing his Strikeforce debut at Middleweight against Jake Shields, Henderson has now won 2 in a row including most recently defeating Rafael Cavalcante for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title.

What to expect: Fedor never really came into a fight with a gameplan now you have to wonder what his mind frame is now that his back is literally against the wall.  Henderson on the other hand finds him self in a pretty good situation win or loss.  A win puts one of the best heavyweight's ever on his resume,  jumping up a weight class to take this fight would definitely cushion any blow to Henderson's rankings and he still will be a champion.  As far as what to expect in the actual fight both fighters can win this fight standing as both have proven power, they both could go for a takedown and win by ground and pound as well.  The difference in the ground game though is Henderson's obvious advantage in his wrestling experience, Fedor on the other hand would have the advantage with submissions as Fedor out numbers Henderson in submission wins 16-2.

My prediction: Emelianenko by Decision

Women's 135 Pound Championship

Marloes Coenen vs Miesha Tate
19-4 Record 11-2

30 Age 24

5'9 Height 5'6

67.5" Reach N/A

135 Weight 135

-130 Odds +105

How they got here: Since losing to Christiane Santos Coenen has now won 2 in row against Liz Carmouche and Sarah Kaufman which were both title fights.  Tate returns to action after having won 2 fights in one night to win the Strikeforce Women's tournament, overall she has won 5 fights in a row.

What to expect: Coenen most likely has the advantage standing as well as submissions, but the deciding factor in this fight could very well be in the wrestling department which Tate will have the definite advantage in.    Can Tate infact get the takedown, if Tate does succeed with the takedown could Coenen avoid the ground and pound from Tate and at the same time does Tate have good enough submission defense as Coenen can be deadly off her back.  As I said in this post this not only is one of the biggest fights of this month but the biggest fight in women's MMA to date, the winner of this fight will make her argument as the best fighter in women's MMA while keeping the hope of a women's division with Zuffa alive with a great performance.

My prediction: Tate by Decision

Tim Kennedy vs Robbie Lawler

13-3 Record 18-7

31 Age 29

6'0 Height 5'11

74" Reach 74"

186 Weight 184

How they got here: Both are looking to get back into the Strikeforce Middleweight title picture with a win.  Kennedy and Lawler are both coming off recent loses to champion Ronaldo Souza, which was Lawler's last fight while Kennedy has defeated Melvin Manhoef since his loss to Souza.

What to expect: Very basic here, Lawler is going to want to keep this standing at all costs and he has the power to knock out just about anyone in the division.  Kennedy will want to get this to the mat and look for a submission but don't be surprised if Kennedy does try and engage Lawler standing for at least a little while.

My prediction: Kennedy by Submission 2nd Round

Paul Daley vs Tyron Woodley

27-10-2 Record 10-0

28 Age 29

5'9 Height 5'9

76" Reach 73"

169.5 Weight 170

How they got here: Daley returns to action looking to get back into the title picture after losing to champion Nick Diaz in April.  The undefeated Woodley stepped in for the injured Evangelista Santos, will be making his 7th appearance with Strikeforce, his most recent victory was over Tarec Saffiedine.

What to expect: Probably even more clear than the Kennedy/Lawler bout Daley wants to avoid at all costs getting taken down and keeping this fight standing where he would surely knock out Woodley given enough time.  The question is does Daley have good enough takedown defense against a top tier wrestler like Woodley, if you ask Koscheck the answer is a definite no.

My prediction: Daley by TKO 2nd Round

Scott Smith vs Tarec Saffiedine

17-8 Record 10-3

32 Age 24

6'0 Height 5'9

70" Reach 70"

170 Weight 170

How they got here: Smith has now lost 2 in a row in Strikeforce and is just 3-3 since joining the promotion. Saffiedine is coming off his main event lose to Tyron Woodley at a recent Strikeforce Challengers event.

What to expect: Saffiedine could likely stand with Smith as he does have a background in kickboxing but could look for a takedown if Smith starts to get the better of him standing.

My prediction: Saffiedine by Decision

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