Toronto MMA Examiner Mike Johnston
StrikeforceStrikeforce makes its return to network television and CBS should be delighted that there will be not one, not two, but three title fights. The lightweight, middleweight and light heavyweight titles are all on the line and several of the biggest stars in MMA are in action. Fans in Canada can watch this event live and free on CBS. Here is a breakdown of Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS…
Jake Shields vs. Dan Henderson
The Strikeforce middleweight title is on the line in the promotional debut for MMA legend Dan Henderson. He takes on Jake Shields in what many pundits are calling a mismatch. Although Shields is the reigning middleweight champ, he is a heavy underdog in this bout. There’s no doubt Shields is an elite mixed martial artist, but he is a natural welterweight. Henderson, on the other hand, is a top middleweight is the former PRIDE light heavyweight champion. “Hendo” will have a clear size and strength advantage.
Shields, who has won 13 fights in a row and hasn’t lost in over five years, will be looking to lock in a submission any way he can. But, it will be difficult getting around Henderson’s powerful punches and excellent wrestling. Shields had success against Robbie Lawler, another well-rounded knockout artist, last year, however Dan Henderson is on another level completely. Henderson is currently the best middleweight in the world outside of UFC champion Anderson Silva. For Shields to have success, he will need to capitalize on any mistakes Henderson may make. If he is able to get a hold of Hendo’s neck, it is possible Shields could pull off a major upset. However, the former Olympic wrestler has only been submitted three times in his 13-year career (by Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers). Henderson will use his wrestling in reverse, stuffing any takedown attempts and keeping the fight a standup battle. Eventually he will connect on Shields and it should be too much for the current champ to handle. And the new Strikeforce Middleweight Champion is…
Dan Henderson by TKO.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal
The term “world-class” is bandied about more often than it should be, but ‘King Mo’ Lawal is undoubtedly a world-class wrestler and superstar in the making. In saying that, Gegard Mousasi will be by far his toughest test to date. Lawal (6-0) may be one of the best prospects in MMA, but Mousasi ( 28-2-1) has established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. The current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion is mentally astute and riding a 15-fight win steak. By all accounts, Mousasi should be able to pull out the victory.
‘King Mo’ is reminiscent of Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson with his power, strong wrestling, and dynamic personality. Look for him to sprawl-and-brawl, or ground-and-pound if the fight gets to the mat. This is a classic technique vs. athleticism matchup. It is a tough fight to call since Lawal is such a wildcard. He certainly has the power to put Mousasi away and the ability to control where this fight takes place. The question is has his game evolved enough to overcome the superior technique of Mousasi?
‘King Mo’ Lawal in a massive upset.
Gilbert Melendez vs. Shinya Aoki
In his last fight, Shinya Aoki humiliated his opponent, breaking his arm with an americana then proceeded to flip the bird and curse at his challenger and the audience. One thing will be certain in Aoki’s North American debut, he will not embarrass Gilbert Melendez. Although Aoki is the higher ranked lightweight, the betting lines have Melendez as the favourite. After that classless display, many fans want to see Aoki get handed a beating.
The Japanese superstar is the most creative submission specialist in MMA; he is a rubberguard master, holds two submission wins over Joachim Hansen, and he defeated top five lightweight Eddie Alvarez when he caught him in a sneaky heel hook at “Dynamite!!2008.” Melendez, however, trains with Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz and Jake Shields, three of the best submission artists in the sport. Aoki will have to do something remarkable to force a tap from the rough Santa Ana, California native.
With a win, Melendez would shoot up the lightweight rankings, proving he is one of the best at 155lbs. In order to defeat Aoki, Melendez will need to simply beat up the DREAM champion; a good old-fashioned shellacking. Aoki has suspect standup and it has been proven he can be knocked out. If the fight gets to the ground, Melendez must gain top position and implement his brutal ground-and-pound. If he decides to grapple with Aoki, it will be a mistake.
Melendez by TKO.
Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Tim Stout
In the only non-title fight scheduled to broadcast on CBS, the popular Jason “Mayhem” Miller takes on relatively unknown Tim Stout who is a massive underdog; some betting sites have Miller as a –1500 favourite to win. Anything can happen in MMA, but Miller should take this one with relative ease.
Miller by stoppage.
PRELIMINARY CARD
The preliminary card features a plethora of unknown fighters and Ultimate Fighter 7 alumnus Cale Yarbrough…
- Zach Underwood vs. Hunter Worsham
- Josh Schockman vs. Cale Yarbrough
- Dustin Ortiz vs. Justin Pennington
- Andrew Uhrich vs. Dustin West
- Chris Hawk vs. Ovince St. Preux
- Thomas Campbell vs. Cody Floyd
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