By Bryan Levick (BryanLevick@mmaratings.net)
Strikeforce is back on Saturday night, as they present “Evolution“, live from San Jose, California.
The card will air live on Showtime beginning at 10pm. The main card will consist of four bouts, headlined by the return of the former Strikeforce middleweight champion, Cung Le.
Strikeforce will look to capitalize on the momentum they gained from their last show, which aired on CBS. That card featured the prime time, network television debut of Fedor Emelianenko as he took on the undefeated Brett Rogers.
I have been on a pretty good roll with my predicitions. I was five-for-five with my UFC 107 selections. Let’s see if I can continue my good fortune.
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (-453) vs. Mike Whitehead (+405)- Light Heavyweights:
The much anticipated US debut of Lawal, as the former NCAA National Collegiate Wrestling Champion looks to run his record to a perfect 6-0. Lawal began his career in stunning fashion as he knocked out grizzled veteran Travis Wiuff in just over two minutes.
His last bout was against Mark Kerr in August. It took Lawal a mere twenty-eight seconds to dispose of the “Smashing Machine.” Lawal is one of the brightest prospects in all of MMA.
He faces a very tough opponent in Whitehead who himself was a collegiate wrestler. Whitehead holds victories over Ben Rothwell, Travis Fulton, Mark Kerr, and Krzysztof Soszynski.
While Whitehead certainly holds the edge in experience, Lawal has the advantage in pretty much every thing else, except submissions. This one will probably stay on the feet as usually is the case when two wrestlers hook up.
Lawal is too young, hungry, strong and fast for Whitehead. Lawal by 2nd round TKO .
Matt “The Law” Lindland (+240) vs. Ronald “Jacare” Souza (-265)-Middleweights:
Souza will be making his debut in front of the American fans. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout made quite a name for himself while fighting for Dream in Japan. Nine of his ten wins have come by submission.
While his striking needs work, Souza will have to worry more about his opponent’s wrestling this time around. Lindland has wrestled for the United States Greco-Roman wrestling team in the Olympics. He and Randy Couture are the Godfathers of dirty boxing.
Lindland is coming off a devastating knockout loss to Vitor Belfort in January. Being the professional that he is, that fight won’t carryover into this one. Lindland is always well prepared.
It is my belief that Lindland is too smart and too savvy for Souza at this time. I see “The Law” grinding out a close decision. Lindland by unanimous decision
Josh “The Punk” Thompson (Champion) (-119) vs. Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (Interim Champion) (+108) for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship:
Anyone who thinks this fight will be anything like the first one is completely out of their minds. First off, Thompson has been out of action since September of last year. Secondly, Melendez has stepped up his game big time since losing to Thompson 18 months ago.
Melendez has already gotten one of his losses back, as he tore through Mitsuhiro Mishida in August. You could see Melendez meant business, and completely negated all of Ishida’s takedowns. He was a much different fighter than he was when they first fought on New Year’s Eve in 2007.
Thompson is a talented fighter, but I think he fought the fight of his life against Melendez. “El Nino” will make it two for two, as he avenges his only other loss. Melendez by third round TKO.
Cung Le (-298) vs. Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (+300)- Middleweights:
Le is back from a self imposed twenty-one month exile from mixed martial arts. While Le was off making movies, Strikeforce picked up some exciting new fighters and a contract with Showtime and CBS.
Le is one of the best overall strikers in the business. There is nobody, and I mean nobody, who can throw kicks like Le can. He dazzled, confused, and broke Frank Shamrock’s arm with some of those amazing kicks.
Smith is a fighter who will never backdown. He can throw his hands and take a beating with the best of them. His wars with Robbie Lawler were two of the most exciting fights I have ever watched.
The biggest question here is, will ring rust be a factor for Le? Smith has fought five times since Le’s last bout. To be honest, I think Le will be perfectly fine. I expect nothing but fireworks in this one.
In the end, Le’s powerful kicks will be too much for Smith too withstand. Le by third round knockout
So there it is, my words of wisdom!!! Enjoy the fights, especially considering they are free!
