Up to this point, I have only discussed UFC and it's sister promotion, WEC. Strikeforce is a California based MMA promotion, headed by CEO Scott Coker. After entering the MMA scene in March of 2006, Strikeforce has since grown, airing multiple events on Showtime as well as CBS. Strikeforce continues to sign talented fighters, but is suffering from severe lack of depth in several divisions. Since the promotion only puts on events every 6-8 weeks, similar to WEC, they are able to get away with using many of the same fighters in their events. Now that you are a little bit more informed on the organization itself, lets get into it.
Before watching this event, be prepared for the notable change in commentary. Many fans of MMA are accustomed to hearing the voices of Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, the usual UFC voices. Either them or the voices of fighter-analysts such as Frank Mir or Kenny Florian. Strikeforce on the other hands brings forth Mauro Renallo, Frank Shamrock, and usually Gus Johnson/Bill Goldberg. Renallo, a former Pride FC announcer, may sound familiar to any long time fans. He is well known for adding excitement to the fight with his inflection. Frank Shamrock tends to find a way to relate anything going on to himself, or one of his fights. Seeing as how he lost to Diaz in the past, expect to hear him reference that fight many times tonight. Gus Johnson is a joke and should be allowed nowhere near an MMA microphone. When Seth Petruzelli KO'd Kimbo Slice a couple years back, Johnson dubbed the performance "the greatest upset in MMA history". That's enough outta you, Gus. And so, on to the FIGHTS!
Starting off, in the welterweight division (170lbs)
Tyron Woodley vs Andre Galvao
This is a fight featuring two of the more promising upcoming fighters in this division. Woodley is a powerful wrestler who has been able to adapt his game successfully to mixed martial arts, while also developing solid enough boxing to hold his own against most in the division on their feet. On the other hand, Galvao is a high level Jiu-Jitsu competitor who is always dangerous off his back. Each of these young fighters are looked to elevate themselves into the upper echelon of the division and eventually challenge for the welterweight title.
Although Galvao boasts a very prominant Brazilian JJ background, he isn't the best fighter off his back. A fighter who relies on clinching up with his opponent and taking them down, Galvao is most comfortable fighting from the top and passing. Against a strong wrestler like Woodley, Galvao is going to not only have trouble taking his opponent down, but will also have trouble fighting off any takedowns which Woodley might attempt.
The outcome of this fight strongly depends on where Woodley wants to take it. A fighter who has been improving with each and every outing, Woodley holds an advantage on both the feet and on the ground. I expect Woodley to work his boxing game early. If Galvao is in trouble, I see him trying to clinch up along the fence, before Woodley is able to win the grappling match and get his foe on the mat. For a wrestler, Woodley has shown great submission offense, winning 4 of his last 5 fights via tap out. While he may have more trouble submitting someone like Galvao, expect Woodley to use smothering wrestling and Ground n Pound to finish Galvao off somewhere around the second round, if not the first.
Josh Thomson vs Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante
Lightweight Division (155lbs)
From 2006 thru 2008, these two fighters stood atop the lightweight rankings. Both powerful wrestlers, these guys seemed like they couldn't be stopped. From June 9, 2006 until September 20, 2008, Thomson went 8-0, finishing 6 of his opponents. From May 3, 2006 until April 28, 2008, JZ went 7-1-1. Since then they have both only fought twice in the past two years, being sidelined with injuries for long periods of time.
Thomson fought in both the UFC and Pride before finally finding a home with Strikeforce. A powerful wrestler, "the Punk" has shown a very powerful wrestling game and a willingness to trade with anyone on the feet. Check out his second fight with Gilbert Melendez. After losing his LW title at the end of 2009, Thomson is ready to fight his way back up to the top of the division for a potential rubber match against champion Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez.
JZ made a name for himself in Japan, fighting with K-1 HERO'S and Dream. Cavalcante is known for his smothering Jiu-Jitsu game. Also boasting tout kickboxing, JZ is a threat wherever the fight goes. Having constantly been doubted due to facing "lesser competition", this is Cavalcante's chance to prove himself as a legit contender in this division.
If you've watched Thomson's fights with Melendez, this bout has the potential to go very similar to those. Both of these fighters likes to push a fast pace, and seem to have cardio for days. I expect to see them come out and begin engaging on the feet. While JZ may have a more methodical approach, look for Thomson to let his hands go in attempts to fluster his opponent. The real question for this bout is whether Cavalcante can get Thomson down to the ground. If so, he will most likely be able to lay on Thomson, pass his guard, and work some GnP. If JZ is unable to get the fight on the mat, Thomson may very well have the advantage on the feet. This should be a very exciting fight and I'm expecting it to take FOTN.
Sarah Kaufman vs Marloes Coenan
Women's 135lb Championship
Due to the fact that Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos has been demolishing every woman to step foot in the cage with her at 145lbs, Strikeforce has decided to develop a 135lb division for all the other ladies who enjoy throwing fists.
Coenan was absolutely battered by Cyborg in January of this year, and hasn't fought since. She is 1-2 in her past three fights, and is in desperate need of a win to stay relevant in the growing pool of female fighters.
Kaufman is 12-0, 4-0 since entering Strikeforce. After winning her first 3 bouts via decision, Kaufman ended her last fight via KO Slam.
While women's MMA is still growing, I find it hard to get interested in it. The level of talent is still extremely low, as evidenced by Cyborg's ability to seriously beat the shit out of all her opponents. I also don't really enjoy watching two women punch each other in the face, because it usually ends up looking like any typical high school cat fight, with the girl's sort of turning their heads away while they throw pawing-like slaps rather than straight punches.
I don't really have much more input on this one. Kaufman by TKO?
Nick Diaz vs Karl James "KJ" Noons
Welterweight Championship (170lbs)
These two have fought once before, on November 10, 2007. Almost three years later, they meet again. The first bout was purely a stand-up battle, with Noons picking Diaz apart. Noons, an accomplished boxer turned MMA fighter, relies almost entirely on his hands. Diaz, a scrappy fighter from the mean streets of Stockton, CA, boasts a dynamic Jiu-Jitsu game, but is always willing to exchange with anyone on the feet. Diaz loves to fight, plain and simple. This one characteristic may ultimately lead to his downfall.
Since defeating Diaz in 2007, Noons would fight once more in 2008 before devoting himself entirely to boxing for 2 years. After going 4-1, all fights ending in decision, Noons decided he wanted to compete once again as an MMA fighter. Since returning to Strikeforce in 2010, he is 3-0, including his most recent TKO victory over Jorge Gurgel in August.
Diaz has also been on a tear, having gone 7-0 since his loss to Noons. With names such as Sakurai, Shamrock, Scott Smith and Marius Zaromskis under his belt, Diaz has solidified himself as a prominent welterweight.
As I mentioned, Noons is an accomplished boxer who relies on quick combinations and counter punches to literally pick his opponents apart. When he fought Diaz he opened up several cuts on Nick's face which eventually led to the fight being stopped. Noons has shown very little ground ability in his MMA fights, but has still been able to accrue an impressive record with solely his standup.
After losing his fight against Noons due to cuts, Diaz underwent extensive re-constructive surgery to replace scar tissue around his eyes. Most likely due to quick, cheap stitch jobs following fights, Diaz had a lot of built up scar tissue on his face which resulted in the skin being cut open much easier. This new surgery has replaced that scar tissue and should allow Diaz to exchange without the chance of being busted up.
Diaz will most likely come out throwing his hands, which he loves to do. Diaz loves to use his jab to paw and pepper his opponent. Although these punches don't have much power behind them, they eventually take their toll and really ware down fighters. Unfortunately, Noons should have similar success countering and landing shots on Diaz. In order to win this fight, Diaz HAS to take it to the ground. He holds a profound advantage in this department and would easily be able to exploit KJ's pitiful ground defense.
These guys definitely have a lot of animosity towards one another, so expect them to come out throwing punches early. If Diaz gets in trouble, which he most likely will, his best bet will be to take it to the floor. Diaz should have a strength advantage since this bout is at his normal 170lbs, while the first bout was at 160, which made it easier for Noons to shrug off takedown attempts from the weaker Diaz. It all comes down to whether or not Diaz is willing to accept the fact that Noons is the better boxer, and to take the fight to the ground where he will have the upper hand.
While this card only features 4 bouts, it still has a lot of promise. Woodley is sure to be a big name in the division within the next year or so, and it's always fun to watch a prospect coming up through the ranks. Thomson and Cavalcante makes for a great bout and should be very exciting. I don't care about women's MMA. Diaz and Noons should also be a great rematch, with a lot of fireworks on the feet.
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