Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers Preview and Predictions
Tonight’s Strikeforce event has been anticipated for some time and it’s all because of one guy, Fedor. The consensus #1 heavyweight in the world will make his network TV debut tonight on CBS in the main event. However, the card features several other solid fights as well.
Mark Miller vs. Deray Davis: Many would pick Miller in this one simply because he is the more well-known fighter and the much more experienced one. In addition to his experience on The Ultimate Fighter, he has fought the likes of Mike Pierce and Jay Hieron, and has beaten UFC veterans Brad Blackburn and Josh Neer. He’s a pretty solid all around fighter and has good power in his hands. Davis is a local fighter, and has amassed a 5-1-1 record in his career. He’s a good striker with a long reach and good power. His ground skills seem to improve everytime I watch him. He’s got good potential in the welterweight division. Davis has fought for both Elite XC as well as Bellator, but this will be his biggest test to date . I think the longer that this fight stays standing, the better it will be for Davis. I think he’ll utilize the reach advantage to control the striking throughout the fight. I’m going against the masses who have picked Miller. Davis via unanimous decision.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Silva: Werdum made his Strikeforce debut back in August, winning via submission over Mike Kyle. He’s an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion who has made strides to improve his striking as well. He’s 12-4-1 in his career with impressive wins over Kyle, Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem and Brandon Vera. Silva is making his return to fighting in the United States after being suspended for steriods following a win over Justin Eilers in 2008. He’s 13-1 in his MMA career. Silva is also pretty well-rounded, and he should have the power advantage while the fight is standing. However, I think that Werdum can withstand most of Silva’s shots, and when the fight hits the ground, Werdum should have the advantage. I wouldn’t be surprised for this fight to go the distance, but I think Werdum can finish it before then. Werdum via submission in the 2nd.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Sokoudjou: Mousasi is coming off a dominant TKO victory over Renato “Babalu” Sobral back in August. That fight garnered him some recognition from those who didn’t really know who he was prior to that contest. He’s 26-2-1 in his career with wins over Sobral, Denis Kang, Hector Lombard, and Jacare Souza during his career. He’s a feared striker, but has improved all aspects of his game. Sokoudjou came to the UFC with much fanfare after beating Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona in back-to-back fights in Japan. However, he struggled in the UFC, going 1-2 with losses to Lyoto Machida and Luiz Cane. He was released from his UFC contract and went to Strikeforce, only to lose to Sobral in his first fight there. Since that fight he’s gone overseas and beaten Bob Sapp and Jan Nortje, not exactly top-flight competetion. I think he’ll be overwhelmed in this one as well. He still has good potential, but was rushed to the big stage too soon. Mousasi via TKO in the 2nd.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Jake Shields: Miller is one of the most colorful personalities in MMA, and due to his show “Bully Beatdown” on MTV, he’s probably better known to the masses than Shields is. Miller is 22-6-1 in his MMA career, with the one no contest coming from his last fight after he kicked Jacare Souza in the head, causing a stoppage. He’s pretty well-rounded, and is very tough and resiliant. Shields is one of the top welterweights in the world, but moved up in weight to fight Robbie Lawler at a 182 pound catchweight contest at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields. He’s moving up to middleweight for this contest. In his career he’s gone 23-4-1 with wins over Lawler, Paul Daley, Nick Thompson, Carlos Condit and Yushin Okami amongst others. He’s biggest assest is his solid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game, though his striking game still needs a bit of work. Miller is the better and more technical striker, and also has more power. He can take advantage of Shields while the fight is standing, and is solid enough on the ground that he should be able to keep himself from being submitted. It also should be noted that this is a championship fight, it’s a five-round fight. I think that is an advantage for Miller as well. This should be a close fight and can go either way, but I’m going with Miller. Miller via unanimous decision.
Brett Rogers vs. Fedor Emelianenko: Fedor is the best heavyweight on the planet. Period. He’s 30-1 in his MMA career, and the one loss was due to a cut. That’s about the only time he’s shown that he’s actually human. He’s beaten Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (twice), Mark Coleman (twice), and Matt Lindland, along with many others. He looked to be in a little bit of trouble in his last fight against Andrei Arlovski before he connected with an overhand right that ended the fight. He has good power in his hands and is the best heavyweight in the world on the ground. Rogers is 10-0 in his young MMA career, and beat Andrei Arlovski in his last fight. He very very powerful, but is untested on the ground. That is where I expect Fedor to take advantage. Rogers has a chance if he connects with a right hand early in the contest, but after that it will be all Fedor. Emelianenko via submission in the 1st.
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