Alistair Overeem vs Fabricio Werdum
Alistair Overeem (pictured) is an oddity in the sport, one of the most proficient strikers of today he fails to find himself across from top competition on a consistent basis. Still some contend he is the best heavyweight in the world while others see him as drastically overrated. Werdum represents a significant step up in competition. Overeem will have a size advantage over his Brazilian opponent and should be able to dictate the location and pace of the fight but that is by no means the end of the story. His improved striking and dangerous ground game will tell us a lot about just how far Overeem’s striking can get him against the cream of the crop in Heavyweight MMA. Look not only for Alistair to be tested but also for to see if Werdum can continue to raise his stock following his victory over Fedor. The winner meets Bigfoot Silva in the second round of the tournament, a fighter that Werdum already holds a victory over. This is a key match-up in one of the most compelling tournaments in the sports history and not one to be missed.
Josh Barnett vs Brett Rogers
Josh Barnett (pictured) enters the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix as one of the heavy favorites, particularly following the early exit of The Last Emperor. Many think Barnett has the easiest road to the finals, meeting strikers with perceived limitations against strong grapplers, which Barnett is. Most have trouble dealing with his superior wrestling and ability to control the fight. However, Barnett has to avoid the bull-strong hands for Brett Rogers. Rogers hits as hard as almost anyone in the sport and his technique is nothing to scoff at. If Barnett is forced to strike with Rogers he might be in for a long night. In addition to the action inside the cage, Barnett’s multiple failed drug tests over his career loom heavy over this fight. He will doubtlessly be tested and another failure could spell the end of his career in the United States.
K.J. Noons vs Jorge Masvidal
K.J. Noons is most famous for his feud with Nick Diaz, beating Diaz as the result of a cut and losing to Diaz in a one sided decision. For the great deal of flack Noons gets for his questionable commitment to MMA and his reaction to a second fight with Diaz, a fight he seemed to want nothing to do with, Noons has found a fair amount of success behind his ultra technical striking. Noons rubs some people the wrong way though because he comes off as thinking he is bigger than the sport, when in reality he is a moderate fish in a relatively small pond, distinct lack of hyperbole 100% intentional. He is going to need every bit of his boxing background against Jorge Masvidal, who is a solid and well rounded fighter. Masvidal will look to use kicks and turn this into an all out fight as apposed to a scientific striking battle in hopes of rattling Noons out of his game. The door is open for either fighter to impress and earn himself a title shot so this fight could very well be for the number one contendership.
Daniel Cormier vs Jeff Monson
The average high-level professional mixed martial artist fights somewhere between 2-4 times a year. Jeff Monson (pictured) has fought three times already in 2011 (this being his fourth) and fought nine times in 2010. When you look up “journyman” in the MMA dictionary Jeff Monson is your operational definition. A short round ball of submissions and muscles, Monson is a dangerous fighter but his limitations are well known. His opponent on the other hand is a quite the antithesis. Daniel Cormier is a world-class wrestler and world-class developmental unknown. There is no doubt that he will be able to use his wrestling effectively in the fight but Monson will represent a stiff test for an unproven fighter. Cormier has one fight that has seen the 3rd round and Monson is notoriously tough, likely looking look to push the fight into deeper waters. Additionally, Monson’s submission game might keep Cormier at bay, less likely to attack on the ground. Monson is no wizard off his back but if you make a mistake he will take your arm, leg, or neck home with him. This fight is going to let us know just how far along Cormier is and if Monson can make one more push on the big stage.
Valentijn Overeem vs Chad Griggs
Alistair is not the only cyborg looking Overeem fighting this weekend. His brother Valentijn is going to look to continue his momentum over cult favorite and holder of the best sideburns in MMA Chad Griggs (pictured) . Chad Griggs got the pleasure of exposing the muscle bound Bobby Lashley and halting his overhyped star from rising too quickly. Griggs turned the fight into a scrap and beat the athletically gifted Lashley up. There is really no other way around it. That is precisely what he will look to do against the lesser of the two Overeems. While V. Overeem is on a three fight, first round win streak, Griggs is 10-1 for a reason. He is very good at dictating where the fight takes place and how the fight takes place. The most interesting thing about this fight will be to see if Overeem can continue to revitalize his career or if Griggs can thwart another muscle bound monster with his gritty style and deceptive skill.
Gesias Cavalcante vs Justin Wilcox
It hasn’t been a great few years for Cavalcante, who many at one time believed was one of the most talented lightweight prospects in the world. He has been exposed a bit and really needs to find sustained success. On the other hand his opponent, Justin Wilcox, has had a really solid career over the last couple of years. In fact he has only lost once since 2007 and benefits from a solid progression up the Strikeforce Challengers system – Strikeforce’s “minor leagues” or “B-Roster.” Wilcox will look to use his wrestling and Cavalcante will press to keep standing. Whoever is able to impose their will should find success. Both fighters may also be primed to show us something new and will need to if they hope to ascend any further or make the jump to the UFC down the road.
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