I’ve watched last Saturday’s Strikeforce card a few times now. Mainly because it was a fantastic card, highlighted by two amazing fights. However, another reason is that I wanted to watch “Jacare” Souza’s impressive victory over Matt Lindland again. After assuring myself of what I originally thought, I know that Jacare deserves a title shot.
In addition to an absurd list of BJJ achievements, he has added a striking game as showcased in this past fight. The biggest knock on guys who have a BJJ base is that they never really develop any kind of boxing or kickboxing to go along with their grappling. As a result, you get guys like Demian Maia leaving themselves open for highlight KO’s at the hands of more well-rounded fighters like Nate Marquardt.
According to the post-fight presser, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker suggested that “Jacare” is in line for a rematch with “Mayhem” Miller whom he was involved in a No Contest with in DREAM. Miller connected with an illegal upkick that opened a cut on Souza’s face that ended the fight. With the advancement in Souza’s game, I don’t expect him to have a problem with the clown prince of MMA.
However, why waste our time by giving him Miller? There is going to be a middleweight title fight between Dan Henderson and current champion Jake Shields. Henderson is a legend on the sport, and will likely defeat Shields, who is a transplanted welterweight. Is there a more exciting match-up for Strikeforce than Hendo v. Jacare? I really don’t think so.
What are you risking by waiting? The only problem is the potential for injury for the title winner. However, if that happens, you just place Jacare against Miller for the number one contendership. Problem solved.
Jacare against Hendo would put an Olympic wrestler against a BJJ master. A good style matchup would pull in fighter, even if I expect Hendo to KO Jacare before it ever gets to the ground. The point is that the fight would make money.
That’s what Strikeforce needs.
After watching Mike Swick guillotine Joe Riggs at UFC 60, Anthony was completely hooked on MMA. Since then, he has dedicated himself to spreading the gospel to the uninitiated, showing the world why MMA is great.When not writing, or worrying about this site, Anthony enjoys reading and playing XBOX 360. 
