Overeem vs. Werdum confirmed for Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
A fight for the Strikeforce heavyweight title between the champ Alistair Overeem and challenger Fabricio Werdum has been added to Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on August 15th. The two fought previously, with Werdum winning via Kimura in PRIDE in 2006.
The fight will be the first title defense for Overeem since he won the title with a submission victory over Paul Buentello back in November of 2007. Since then, Overeem has fought three MMA fights in Japan (winning two with one no-contest vs. Mirko Cro Cop), one in the Netherlands (victory over Gary Goodridge), and has also fought two kickboxing matches in Japan (1-1). Strikeforce had a nearly non-existent heavyweight crop, and a rumored fight between Overeem and Brett Rogers in June was changed when Overeem pulled out due to a hand injury. Rogers instead fought and beat Andrei Arlovski.
Werdum will be making his debut in Strikeforce after he was cut from the UFC’s roster in late 2008. In his UFC career, he was 2-2, with wins over Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera. However, his upset loss to UFC newcomer Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90 ended his tenure with the company.
This should be an intriguing matchup. Werdum is former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who still has some holes in his standup game, while Overeem is a superior striker who is at a disadvantage on the ground, especially against a ground specialist like Werdum.
There are now three title fights scheduled for Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg including the main event for the women’s 145lb title. In addition to Overeem vs. Werdum for the heavyweight title is a fight between Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez for the lightweight title in a rematch from their fight last June. Thomson won that contest via unanimous decision.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Related posts:
- Alistair Overeem withdraws from Strikeforce Heavyweight title fight
- Nick Diaz off Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg card
- Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg analysis and predictions
- Nick Diaz vs. Jay Hieron set for Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
- Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg post-fight thoughts
Filed Under: News
Wow I really thought Grimm was gonna get a shot at getting KTFO by Alistar. Werdum isn’t more deserving than Rogers IMO but it should still be a great fight. Hope Overeem’s hand is fully healed lol