Ajit’s Strikeforce Spotlight: Henderson vs Fedor
Posted by Ajit on July 27th, 2011
Pictured: Henderson and Fedor meet in their hotel lobby.
After a month’s absence it feels good to start writing again! And since I’ve been away, there has been an incredible amount of fighters withdrawing from their scheduled bouts. One of the most shocking is Alistair Overeem. When the word first got out, rumors went about saying Overeem did something to be pulled out of the tournament and he is on thin ice with Zuffa. It appears, however, that he pulled out due to a toe injury, and will now be replaced by Daniel Cormier. It will be very interesting to see how DC steps up to fighting “Bigfoot” Silva and have a shot at winning the Strikeforce GP. Shotime demanded that the event be held September 10, and Overeem did not feel he would be ready in time.
But September 10 still feels ages away, and there is an interesting card this weekend. There are a few fights that interest me more than the others, so I’ll go through them and give my breakdown.
Paul Daley vs Tyron Woodley-
Two top contenders in SF will go at it this weekend, both of them looking for a shot at the title. Woodley has amazing wrestling and is looking unstoppable in Strikeforce, pulling together a perfect 8-0 record. In his last fight with Tarec Saffiedine, Woodley was able to use his wrestling to keep the fight where he wanted it-anywhere but in striking range. Daley’s wrestling is…not so great, to put it lightly. I do not think it would surprise anyone if Woodley looked to take down Daley from the beginning of the fight. Daley has big power in his hands, and fast, crisp combinations at his disposal, but it will be interesting to see how he takes advantage of that before Woodley can begin his takedown attempts.
Meisha Tate vs Marloes Coenen-
A fight that should have taken place a while ago will now be the co-main event this Saturday night when these two women battle for the Women’s Welterweight strap. Tate has expressed her interest in taking this fight to the ground, especially considering the way Coenen’s last fight went. Liz Caramouche was able to mount Coenen repeatedly and work some great ground and pound. With a triangle in the 4th round, Coenen was able to win the fight and keep her title, but only after exposing a flaw in her game. Meisha “takedown” Tate will no doubt be using her wrestling and ground and pound to take out Coenen, but this is a dangerous gameplan against a submission specialist as good as Marloes.
Dan Henderson vs Fedor Emelianenko-
Two legends from Pride will square off this weekend in a fight that has been heavily anticipated since the rumors began earlier this year. After his 2nd loss in a row to “Bigfoot” Silva, Fedor began contemplating a move to LHW, and his fans backed his decision. Well, “The Last Emperor” will be facing a Light Heavyweight, but it will be in the heavyweight division (although Hendo has plans to weigh in at the smalles possible weight.) Both men have incredible chins, huge power, and insane right hands. I see this fight being a 3 round war, and not even the H-bomb or Fedor’s lethal right hand earning either man a KO/TKO win because of the tough chins at play and lack of cutting weight.
Check back Friday for a full list of predictions from the staff here at http://www.total-mma.com!