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      Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Preview: Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

      June 16, 2011 /

      nullSo just how far along has Alistair Overeem come over the last few years?

      The Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion looks to prove he deserves to be in the discussion for top heavyweight in the world on Saturday when he takes on Fabricio Werdum in the first round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.

      Werdum holds a submission win over Overeem back in 2006 as part of PRIDE. Since then, both men have had highs and lows, and both seem to be at a peak in their careers.

      Here is a look at both fighters and my pick for this contest.

      Alistair Overeem (34-11) – The Strikeforce kingpin has looked unbeatable in recent years due to his overwhelming kickboxing skills. Standing 6-foot-5 and beefed up to 253 pounds, Overeem brings thunderous power to every kick and punch he throws. He has won his last three fights by knockout, all coming in the first round. Prior to that, he scored three-straight submission victories, and he actually has 19 submission wins to his credit in his lengthy career. Overeem’s last loss came in 2007 to fellow Grand Prix fighter, Sergei Kharitonov. His biggest weakness in this bout will be his submission defense against a fighter with the skills of Werdum, but his striking will be far superior.

      Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) – Werdum broke into the top heavyweight discussion after being the man to end Fedor Emelianenko’s lengthy winning streak last June. Now, Werdum looks to prove that his win was for real as he hopes to beat Overeem for a second time. Werdum is a grappling specialist with mediocre striking. In this fight, he will be facing a much larger Overeem than he faced years ago. Getting his opponent to the ground this time may be a great challenge. Werdum can’t possibly win this fight on his feet either, so pulling guard may have to be an option for him.

      Who Will Win: I think both men are different fighters than they were years ago, and Overeem has advanced further than Werdum. I look for Overeem to stay off his back on keep the fight standing, where he should be able to pick apart Werdum and earn a second round TKO.

      Events, Fighters, Strikeforce

      Top 10 Middleweight Rankings

      June 15, 2011 /

      nullThis week the rankings move back to the middleweight division.

      The 185-pound weight class had some interesting developments over the last few months as Chael Sonnen has had his return to the UFC pushed back and one of the top fighters, Nate Marquardt, is moving down to 170 pounds.

      Nonetheless, here is what the top 10 in this weight class looks like.

      1. Anderson Silva (28-4) – Silva is not only No. 1 on this list, but also on my pound-for-pound list. I think he has a tough test ahead of him in Yushin Okami at UFC 134, as Silva has shown a weakness against big wrestlers. Still, many of Silva’s opponents show him too much respect, which plays right into his hands.

      2. Yushin Okami (26-5) – I am moving Okami up to number two because Sonnen’s future is in question and he seems to be losing steam with each passing day. Okami has beaten many of the best in the UFC, but he now has a chance to face the very best in Silva. Okami is a grinder, and that is what will be the most dangerous opponent for Silva to face.

      3. Chael Sonnen (25-11-1) – Sonnen has a good skill set, but his mouth and his poor choices have caused him to have a questionable future. Despite the fact that he pushed Silva to his limit, Sonnen still was unable to come through with a win. Sonnen has a clear weakness against submission specialists, but he has easily handled some of the top fighters in this division.

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      Events, Fighters, Rankings, Strikeforce, UFC

      UFC 135 taking shape with Jones vs. Rampage as main event

      June 15, 2011 /

      nullUFC 135 is set to take place from the Pepsi Center on Sept. 24 and the card has really begun to take shape over the past few days.

      MMAMania.com is reporting that UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones has verbally agreed to make his first title defense against former champ, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the main event.

      Along with that, four other bouts have been announced around the MMA world with Matt Hughes and Diego Sanchez expected to square off in a welterweight showdown as the co-main event.

      Bantamweights Damacio Page and Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto are also expected to square off in a battle to two guys trying to get into the top 10 picture.

      There will also be a pair of big heavyweight contests as Ben Rothwell has signed on to face Mark Hunt and recent knockout of the night winner, Travis Browne, will face relative UFC newcomer, Rob Broughton.

      While more fights will be added in the upcoming months, UFC 135 already has some solid name power and rising stars.

      Jones vs. Rampage should be a big draw as it will be a little bit of the old vs. the new as those two collide. You also have a Hall of Famer taking on an always exciting competitor as Hughes meets Sanchez.

      I for one will be excited to see Travis Browne in action again. I think he has the potential to be a real contender in the heavyweight division.

      Events, Fighters, News, UFC

      Vancouver Athletic Commission defends judging at UFC 131

      June 15, 2011 /

      nullUnfortunately, aside from just impressive fights, UFC 131 was known for its bad judging.

      Questionable judging is becoming more of a factor in MMA these days and UFC President Dana White wasn’t shy in discussing his displeasure with Saturday’s results in certain bouts.

      Darren Elkins’ unanimous-decision victory over Michihiro Omigawa – which came by scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 in the event’s first contest – prompted UFC president Dana White to pay both fighters as if they won the bout.

      “Overruled,” he said when asked about the decision.

      White added that the judge who gave Elkins a 30-27 score should never be allowed to judge again.

      Well, according to MMAJunkie.com, the Vancouver Athletic Commission has stepped out to defend itself.

      Continue reading »

      Events, Fighters, News, UFC

      Future Fight Watch: Velasquez a slight favorite over dos Santos

      June 13, 2011 /

      nullThe next marquee heavyweight bout has been set with Cain Velasquez defending his title against No. 1 contender, Junior dos Santos.

      Though the fight won’t come for months, the debate has already been heated about which fighter is favored.

      The opening odds actually had Junior dos Santos as a -125 favorite over Velasquez (-105) but after some debate, it appears that the champion has now become the one to beat.

      BetOnFighting.com has the champion as a -120 favorite while dos Santos now has odds of -110.

      While dos Santos looked the best he ever has in his dominant win over Shane Carwin last Saturday, Velasquez is another animal.

      Cain has solid, technical boxing, and his wrestling may be as strong as anyone’s in MMA. The takedown defense dos Santos had against Carwin may not be strong enough to keep him off his back. Also, Carwin didn’t display the technical striking I thought he would against dos Santos. I suspect Velasquez will have the ability to get inside that long reach.

      While I won’t say that Velasquez will clearly win, I do feel he is being somewhat disrespected by the sportsbooks in this one. He is a complete package and a worthy champion.

      Events, Fighters, News, UFC

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