Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE
This weekend will feature Strikeforce’s last card ever on Showtime, which features some exciting fights from top to bottom. Some notable fighters on the card include Nate Marquardt, Daniel Cormier, Josh Barnett, Tim Kennedy and Jacare Souza. Let’s now take a look at the main card and make some predictions.
Ed Herman will be taking on Ronaldo Souza. Both fighters have competent grappling skills, but Souza is a better finisher. Expect to see Souza keep the pace with his striking and then take Herman down. From there, Souza will press the action and sink in a submission. Final prediction: Ronaldo Souza wins via submission (arm-triangle) in the first round.
Next up, Mike Kyle will take on Gegard Mousasi. This fight should be an entertaining light heavyweight bout that has a lot of implications in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Gegard is the more well-rounded fighter and he will be able to take this fight anywhere he wants. He will control the stand up portion of the fight, out-striking Kyle for the majority of each round. Final Prediction: Gegard Mousasi wins via unanimous decision.
Pride veteran Barnett will be taking on Nandor Guelmino. Coming into this fight, Barnett is coming off a tough loss to Cormier. Barnett will rebound off that loss and will take Nandor down at will. From there, he will throw some great streaks from the top and force Nandor to open up. Final prediction Josh Barnett wins via submission (rear-naked choke).
One of the most anticipated matches on the card is a heavyweight bout between Cormier and Dion Staring. Cormier is heavily favored in this bout and rightfully so. He will be able to pick apart Dion on the feet. If he gets into trouble, he will be able to take this fight to the ground as he possesses Olympic caliber wrestling. Staring won’t have an answer and will end up getting stopped in the second. Final Prediction: Daniel Cormier wins via TKO in the second round.
The main event features a welterweight bout between Marquardt and Tarec Saffiedine. Nate has looked impressive since dropping down to the welterweight division, and he will be able to continue his momentum in this fight with Tarec. Nate will be able to keep Saffiedine at bay with his relentless jabs and also pepper him with kicks. Look for an impressive finish from Nate, much like his fight with Tyron Woodley. Final Prediction: Nate Marquardt wins via KO in the first round.
