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Dan Henderson (25-7) vs Jake Shields (24-4-1):
The only man to simultaneously hold two PRIDE titles, Henderson has fought the best in the world including wins over Mike Bisping, Rich Franklin, Wanderlei Silva, Mirko 'Cro Cop', Vitor Belfort, Rodrigo Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, Renzo Gracie, Renato 'Babalu' Sobral, Gilbert Yvel, and Carlos Newton. To put it bluntly, the guy has fought everyone and made out pretty well. He's been finished before, but only by the Nogueira brothers and Anderson Silva. (All from Team Black House...strange.)
Jake Shields is the reigning Strikeforce middleweight champion and an accomplished jiu jitsu black belt. He won the title with a decision victory over Jason 'Mayhem' Miller in November. Shields' resume is also a Who's Who of MMA elite including wins over, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami, Dave Menne and Hayato Sakurai. He is riding a thirteen fight win streak and has not be finished since March 2000.
This is an interesting match up because if Hendo gets the takedown, Shields will be a threat off his back. If Shields can get the takedown, expect a smothering top game and slick transitions. Hendo will surely be loading up the bomb of a right hand, so Jake...circle right! (See: Mike Bisping) As good as Shields has been, I don't know if he'll be able to get past the hard-nosed Hendo.
My prediction: Dan Henderson by Unanimous Decision
Muhammed Lawal (6-0) vs Gegard Mousasi (28-2-1):
Although "King Mo" only has six fights to his credit, he is dangerous. He was an All-American wrestling standout at Oklahoma State, winning the Big 12 title in 2003. He is a talented athlete and deserving of a title shot, especially with his star potential. As Mousasi put it, "He comes from wrestling and has put in his time in combat sports." With five of his six victories coming by way of TKO or KO, Lawal has dangerous hands. His athleticism is impressive and his desire to fight top competition is admirable. Plus, he is an entertainer. His trash talk leading up to the fight has been priceless. Check out the "So Much Excitement" post for a link to a little exchanged between Mo and Gegard.
Gegard Mousasi is outstanding at only 24 years old. Riding a fifteen fight win streak, the Dutch-Armenian fighter has been unstoppable. With seventeen wins by TKO or KO and nine by submission he is dangerous everywhere. He has fought at heavyweight and said he reached 230 lbs during camp. Very focused and relaxed in the cage, Mousasi is dangerous for any opponent.
Strikeforce heads to Nashville this weekend and puts on three - count them 1, 2, 3 - title fights! And...it's FREE on CBS. Here's a quick run down of what Scott Coker & Co. have in store for the fans.
Gilbert Melendez (17-2) vs Shinya Aoki (23-4-1):
"El Nino" is the reigning Strikeforce lightweight champion. At 17-2, Melendez is riding a three fight win streak. In 2009, Gil avenged both of his losses with a devastating TKO of Mitsuhiro Ishida and a decision victory over Josh Thompson. Melendez also holds victories over Tatsuya Kawajiri, Clay Guida and Rumino Sato. He has never been finished and brings with him a gas tank like no one else in the division. His ability to push the pace may be the deciding factor in this fight.Shinya Aoki may not be as well known in America as he is in Japan, but believe me when I say he is a dangerous fighter. A Judo black belt and DREAM lightweight champion, Aoki has won 14 of his 23 bouts by submission. In his last bout, Aoki showed his tenacity when he was forced to break Mizuto Hirota's arm with a hammer lock. Aoki holds wins over Joachim Hansen, Vitor Ribeiro, Eddie Alvarez, Caol Uno and JZ Cavalcante.
Aoki's rubber guard is incredible and in his last outing he looked stellar, but the competition was not "El Nino." While Aoki is an amazing technician on the mat I don't believe he will be able to handle the pressure Melendez will bring over the course of five rounds mixing in takedowns with potent and varied striking.
My prediction: Gilbert Melendez by TKO, Round 3.
Dan Henderson (25-7) vs Jake Shields (24-4-1):
The only man to simultaneously hold two PRIDE titles, Henderson has fought the best in the world including wins over Mike Bisping, Rich Franklin, Wanderlei Silva, Mirko 'Cro Cop', Vitor Belfort, Rodrigo Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, Renzo Gracie, Renato 'Babalu' Sobral, Gilbert Yvel, and Carlos Newton. To put it bluntly, the guy has fought everyone and made out pretty well. He's been finished before, but only by the Nogueira brothers and Anderson Silva. (All from Team Black House...strange.)
Jake Shields is the reigning Strikeforce middleweight champion and an accomplished jiu jitsu black belt. He won the title with a decision victory over Jason 'Mayhem' Miller in November. Shields' resume is also a Who's Who of MMA elite including wins over, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami, Dave Menne and Hayato Sakurai. He is riding a thirteen fight win streak and has not be finished since March 2000.
This is an interesting match up because if Hendo gets the takedown, Shields will be a threat off his back. If Shields can get the takedown, expect a smothering top game and slick transitions. Hendo will surely be loading up the bomb of a right hand, so Jake...circle right! (See: Mike Bisping) As good as Shields has been, I don't know if he'll be able to get past the hard-nosed Hendo.
My prediction: Dan Henderson by Unanimous Decision
Muhammed Lawal (6-0) vs Gegard Mousasi (28-2-1):
Although "King Mo" only has six fights to his credit, he is dangerous. He was an All-American wrestling standout at Oklahoma State, winning the Big 12 title in 2003. He is a talented athlete and deserving of a title shot, especially with his star potential. As Mousasi put it, "He comes from wrestling and has put in his time in combat sports." With five of his six victories coming by way of TKO or KO, Lawal has dangerous hands. His athleticism is impressive and his desire to fight top competition is admirable. Plus, he is an entertainer. His trash talk leading up to the fight has been priceless. Check out the "So Much Excitement" post for a link to a little exchanged between Mo and Gegard.
Gegard Mousasi is outstanding at only 24 years old. Riding a fifteen fight win streak, the Dutch-Armenian fighter has been unstoppable. With seventeen wins by TKO or KO and nine by submission he is dangerous everywhere. He has fought at heavyweight and said he reached 230 lbs during camp. Very focused and relaxed in the cage, Mousasi is dangerous for any opponent.
This one has Fight of the Night written all over it. Although King Mo has the edge in wrestling Mousasi doubts that will be a factor. "I don't think he'll take me down more than once or twice," he said during a recent interview. Personally, I expect fireworks. Mousasi's striking in technically superior but Lawal is athletic enough to give it right back. I believe Mo will get too confident and make a mistake, giving Gegard the opportunity to close it out.
My prediction: Gegard Mousasi by TKO, Round 4.
Strikeforce has lined up a nice card for the 17th. Hopefully all the fights go well and are entertaining. They need to follow up somewhat quickly after this event with another good card because the frequency has not been high enough. The deal with CBS is huge for MMA and Strikeforce and all of its' athletes would be well-served to pay respect to the Central Broadcasting Station and put on quality fights - for the good of the sport.
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