After no particularly big fight cards for several months, Strikeforce is finally back and ready to reassume its position as the UFC’s main competitor in mixed martial arts promotions. Sure, the UFC still has most of the top fighters, but Strikeforce will showcase some high-end talent this weekend. Here are my picks for the big fights.
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Jake Shields (24-4) vs Dan Henderson (25-7)
After feeling slighted by the UFC, Dan Henderson defected to Strikeforce and was immediately rewarded with a title shot against highly regarded middleweight champ Jake Shields. Both fighters are ground guys first and foremost, with Shields relying on his BJJ and Henderson using his Greco-Roman wrestling background.
The pick: Dan Henderson. Remember, Shields fought most of his career at welterweight and Henderson fought most of his career at light heavyweight; that’s a 35-pound weight difference. Henderson should have the strength advantage in grappling and has a clear edge in the standup thanks to his extremely heavy hands. He’s just a tough matchup for Shields altogether. Though Shields’ record is impressive, I would argue Henderson, even at his advanced age, is the toughest man he’s ever faced. I’m just not convinced he can hurt Henderson or even submit him.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Gegard Mousasi (28-2-1) vs Muhammed Lawal (6-0)
This should be very interesting. The mouthy Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal will put his undefeated record on the line in an effort to steal the light heavyweight belt from Gegard Mousasi, who has looked positively untouchable of late.
The pick: Gegard Mousasi. Whom has Lawal beaten? Mousasi is a world-class fighter, a non-stop finisher who can beat guys with his blazing hands in the striking game or submit them on the ground. While he’s beaten more solid “B” fighters than “A” guys, he’s still far more experienced than Lawal. Even though Lawal is a powerhouse wrestler, I don’t think he’ll scare Mousasi. The champ is a cerebral fighter who is comfortable in virtually any situation. I think he’ll pick Lawal apart.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Gilbert Melendez (17-2) vs Shinya Aoki (23-4, 1 NC)
After watching Takanori Gomi get embarrassed against Kenny Florian’s boxing in the UFC a few weeks back, Shinya Aoki, ranked as the No. 2 lightweight in the world by most publications, has a lot to prove. Can he finally shake the notion that the Japanese fighters’ skills don’t translate across the pond?
The pick: Gilbert Melendez. I’m not sure what it is that gets lost in translation for Japanese fighters. Is it a hostile crowd atmosphere? Maybe the conversion to the confining cage after years of fighting in rings? Whatever the cause is, I’ve lost confidence in Japanese imports. Instead of backing Aoki based on his name recognition, I’d like to see him earn the win again the tough, gritty Melendez.
By Matt Larkin
Guest MMA Writer
MMA Gym North York, Toronto, Brampton, Etobicoke, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Peel Region, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Vaughan, Woodbridge, York, York Region Ontario Canada.