The fate of Strikeforce has seen some clarity with a renewed contract with Showtime earlier this week. With the new deal in place it provides some stability to the organization and this event taking place this saturday at the features many fighters that could very well be center pieces in the new Strikeforce going forward. The main event features one of the best Lightweights in the world Gilbert Melendez defending his title against Jorge Masvidal. The pound for pound best fighter in women's mma today Cyborg Santos returns to action to defend her title against Japanese star Hiroko Yamanaka. Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi is looking to get back into title contention as he takes on rising star Ovince St. Preux. An entertaining Lightweight battle between KJ Noons and Billy Evangelista round out the main card.
Main Event
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
19-2 Record 22-6
29 Age 27
155 Weight 155
5'9 Height 5'10
71" Reach 73"
-310 Odds +260
Common opponents:Rodrigo Damm
Melendez won by TKO 2nd Round at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs Diaz 4/11/09
Masival lost by TKO 2nd Round at Sengoku 3 6/8/08
How they got here: Although it was briefly rumoured Melendez who be heading to the UFC for now he still is the defending Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and is on a 5 fight win streak with the latest win being his impressive TKO over Tatsuya Kawajiri at Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley. Masvidal earned his title shot with wins over KJ Noons and Billy Evangelista who ironically are facing off against each other during this event.
What to expect: Melendez may not be able to stand with Masvidal in a boxing match but fortunate for him this is a MMA fight where his wrestling, takedowns and Jiu Jitsu could play key factors in a victory for him. Masvidal has a slight reach advantage he will want to use sticking to the outside and throwing his jab in Melendez's face.
My prediction: Melendez by TKO 3rd Round
10-1 Record 12-1
26 Age 33
144.5 Weight
5'8 Height 5'11
69" Reach
-850 Odds +525
Common opponents:Hitomi Akano
Santos won by TKO 3rd Round at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs Diaz 4/11/09
Yamanaka won by Split Decision at Jewels: Seventh Ring 3/19/10
Yamanaka lost by Submission 2nd Round at Smackgirl- World Remix 2nd Round 4/25/08
How they got here: Santos the defending women's Featherweight champion has not competed since her TKO win over Jan Finney in June 2010. A brief contract dispute nearly saw Cyborg depart from the organization but a new deal intact she is looking to improve upon her 4-0 record with Strikeforce with all 4 wins coming by TKO. Yamanaka is making her Strikeforce debut on a 8 fight win streak and is highly considered one of the best fighters in women's MMA today.
What to expect: The layoff shouldn't be much of an issue for Santos who should be her usual aggressive self and be able to overwhelm Yamanaka.
My prediction: Santos by TKO 1st Round
Gegard Mousasi vs Ovince St. Preux
31-3-2 Record 11-4
26 Age 28
205 Weight 205
6'1 Height 6'3
76" Reach 79"
-475 Odds +320
Common opponents: noneHow they got here: Mousasi makes his return to Strikeforce after picking up a win against Hiroshi Izumi at Dream: Fight For Japan 2 overall Mousasi is unbeaten in 4 fights but has not won in Strikeforce since 2009. St. Preux is one of Strikeforce's rising stars having won 8 fights in a row with 5 of them under the Strikeforce banner.
What to expect: Mousasi has had suspect takedown defense so far in his career and it's pretty obvious St. Preux will try and exploit that weakness. Mousasi though is a deadly striker and really, even with the takedown defense weakness he does have submissions off his back with St. Preux have to be very aware of.
My prediction: Mousasi by TKO 2nd Round
KJ Noons vs Billy Evangelista
10-4 Record 11-1
29 Age 31
156 Weight 155.5
5'11 Height 5'8
5'11 Height 5'8
70" Reach 68"
-185 Odds +155
Common opponents:Jorge Masvidal
Noons lost by Unanimous Decision at Strikforce: Overeem vs Werdum 6/18/11
Evangelista lost by Unanimous Decision at Strikeforce: Feijao vs Henderson 3/5/11
Jorge Gurgel
Noons won by TKO 2nd Round at Strikeforce: Houston 8/21/10
Evangelista won by Unanimous Decision at Strikeforce Challengers 4 11/6/09
How they got here: Noons is looking to get back on track as he has dropped his last 2 fights he most recent to main event participant Jorge Masvidal. Evangelista is also coming off a lose to Jorge Masvidal in his last fight which to date is his only career loss.
What to expect: Evangelista should be able to get in close and his hands on Noons to get a takedown and out of danger from Noons' boxing. From there he will be able to control Noons for the decision victory.
My prediction: Evangelista by Decision
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