Strikeforce: Evolution Preview
So I’m here sitting in my hotel room just hours before Strikeforce: Evolution , in San Jose, California.
It’s been a fun trip so far, the weigh-ins yesterday were littered with stars such as Channing Tatum and recent Strikeforce signees: Dan Henderson and Herschell Walker, as well as a dejected Robbie Lawler, a loud-brash “Mayhem” Miller and UFC welterweight Brian Foster—all who were candid and happy to do the usual meet and greets and good old ‘hey, can you choke me?’ pics.
Everyone eventually made weight securing they’re spots on the Showtime televised card in what is promising to be an exciting night of fights.
So, here we go.
Ronaldo Souza vs. Matt Lindland
Two new additions to the deep Strikeforce middleweight division, Ronaldo and Lindland both come from strong grappling pedigrees—Ronaldo a multiple time Jujitsu world champion and Matt, an Olympic caliber wrestler, winning the Silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Though, in Matt’s own words, having “choked out many black belts”, none have held the sort of prestige that “Jacare” carries. In Souza’s ten wins, nine come by way of submission.
Lindland does have a chance should he be able to keep the fight on his fight and employ a sprawl and brawl tactic, however Ronaldo would not be adverse to pulling guard if need be and from there, “The Law” will be able to hold little resistance when it comes to the Abu Dhabi veteran obvious ground prowess.
Prediction: Ronaldo Souza, Rd. 2 Submission.
Muhammed Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead
“Iron” Mike just doesn’t get the respect he deserves…according to Whitehead, ofcourse.
An obvious talent, Mike has been the proverbial journeyman during his near ten years as a professional, bouncing around between the 205 and heavyweight divisions.
The Las Vegas native does hold key victories over Mark Kerr, Kevin Randleman and Vernon White—all of whom have seen better days in what seems to be eons ago.
His cool, calm, collective demeanor will be easily overlooked when the flashy and flamboyant “King” Mo hits the stage.
Already making a scene at the weigh-ins with his “bling-bling” and penchant for bad luck, having his “queen” keeping the Temecula native out of harm’s way with an umbrella cascading over his head in doors, it appears that Mo is ready for the big-time.
After fielding offers from many organizations, “King” finally made the choice to call Strikeforce home and though he’s confidence can be construed as cockiness, he’s got the stuff to back it up.
Though Whitehead comes from a strong wrestling background, it just doesn’t compare to Mo’s international experience.
Look for an explosive Muhammed to comes out gun’s blazing from the get-go, frustrating Whitehead with his unorthodox striking before taking his 261-pound foe to the mat with his world-class wrestling and pound him out for a TKO victory.
Prediction: “King” Mo, Rd. 1 TKO
Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Milendez 2 (Unificiation for the Strikeforce Lightweight Title)
Former training partners and friends, Thomson and Melendez is the real fight to watch.
The sasquatched by Cung Le’s return, a revitalized “El Nino” and healthy “Punk” not only make for unoriginal nicknames, but an excellent fight.
The first bout saw a complete shutout by than challenger turned champion Josh Thomson, who was able to frustrate the Cesar Gracie protégé with excellent footwork, strong kicks and a patented double leg takedown.
Since then, Josh has been unable to defend the title he took from Melendez in a shutout victory, due to perpetual injury. Now back, Josh is at a disadvantage—he pissed off Gil.
Since losing his title, Melendez has been able to bounce back with two-commanding victories over Sengoku veteran Rodrigo Damm with a KO victory to synch the promotions interim title and was than able to exact revenge against Mitsuhiro Ishida—one of only two fighters to defeat Melendez– with a TKO victory in the 3rd.
This fight will not look like the last. Now that Melendez has had time to assess the previous bout with Thomson, he knows what he’s coming in with. The same game plan that proved to be effective first time around for the “Punk” will be thwarted with Gilbert’s own takedowns and relentlessness he will bring tonight.
Prediction: Gilbert Melendez, Unanimous Decision (5 rounds)
Cung Le vs. Scott Smith
Former Strikeforce middleweight champion, Cung Le returns after a near two-year absence from mixed martial arts after a budding acting career that has yet to reach its peak.
He will return with no “tune-up” fight, when he squares off against the hardnosed bruiser, Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith.
The Californian native are the featured attraction of the night, undoubtedly due to Le’s obvious ties to his fellow San Josean’s, but also for sentimental value, when he returns to the HP Pavilion which was witness to one of Strikeforce’s greatest shows with Cung Le and Frank Shamrock fitting the bill in what was an exciting 3 rounds before Le was officially champion after having broken Shamrock’s arm with his patented kicks.
Known for his durability, Smith is returning from a one-sided drubbing from MMA bad boy, Nick Diaz. There, the Stockton native was able to frustrate Smith with pitter-patter punches with rabid succession, which eventually led to his demise.
In his most recent fights, Smith has proved to be very susceptible to body shots. In his classic fight against Pete Sell at the “TUF” 4 finale, “Drago” was able to land a spot on right-hook to the body that nearly doubled Smith, before he was able to unleash fury of his own. In the fight Lawler, both times, Robbie was able to connect with kicks to the body, which visibly hindered Scott and in their second outing together, was able to finish the fight with damage the body.
Smith’s toughness will get the better of him, as he continues to plow forward (as if he knows any other way to fight) and eats kicks all night to the body, which Le will use to keep at a safe distant while doing damage, which is all in thanks to his San Shou/Kickboxing background.
Prediction: Cung Le, TKO Rd. 2
::::: STAY TUNED FOR LIVE ROUND BY ROUND PLAY-BY-PLAY TONIGHT FOR STRIKEFORCE:EVOLUTION::::::
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