December 19, 2009, at 11:35 am
Muhammed Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead.
Lawal is one of the sports most hyped prospects. He’s a force of personality as he often comes to down to the ring wearing a crown and a kings robe. In the ring Lawal can back up the hype. Lawal was a Big 12 Champion and Division I all-American in 2003, wrestling for Oklahoma State. That wrestling base is the strength for his MMA game. In his last fight he took out Mark Kerr by sheer domination. He picked up and slammed the much larger fighter with ease and then pounded him out. I don’t see this one going any differently.
Prediction: Lawal by TKO Strikes Round 1
Matt Lindland vs. Ronald “Jacare” Souza
Easily the most technical fight of the night pits an Olympic Greco Roman wrestler (Lindland) against a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (Souza.) Of course such a clash of styles might lead to a rather boring fight. Neither of these guys are known for their stand up game. If Lindland fights a smart fight he’ll use his wrestling to keep the fight standing. Basically he should fight this fight Randy Couture style. Lots of clinching, lots of dirty boxing and a take-down to score points here or there. Jacare will probably try some crazy things if he can’t get the fight to the ground. I’d expect him to attempt to pull guard multiple times and who knows maybe try a flying arm-bar.
Prediction: Matt Lindand wins a lackluster fight by Unanimous Decision
Josh Thompson vs. Gilbert Melendez
In what will probably be the best fight of the night we see Thompson and Melendez meet to unify the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship. This fight is a rematch of their fight from a year and a half ago. In that fight Thompson was able to use his boxing and his wrestling to neutralize Melendez in route to winning a unanimous decisions. Since that fight Thompson won one fight before getting injured. After a 11 month layoff from competition you wonder if ring rust will be an issue.
Melendez is another lightweight who constantly looks to push the pace. In his last two fights against Ishida and Damm we’ve seen an improved wrestling and striking game from Melendez. If he can take Thompson down he should be able to win this fight. Of course that’s a big if.
Prediction: Melendez game has improved in the past year while Thompson has been hurt. Melendez by Split Decision. Inevitably setting up Thompson/Melendez III
Cung Le vs. Scott Smith
Le returns to the ring after a brief hiatus to be a crappy action movie star. The beauty of this fight is in the eye of the beholder. Le is one of Strikeforce’s most popular fighters but I could care less. He’s 6-0 and never faced anyone of note or anyone who can wrestle a lick. He’s been protected by Strikeforce.
Smith has heavy hands but that’s about it. What he lacks in boxing technique he makes up with power. His wrestling game isn’t great but a smart game-plan would to take Le down and grind out a decision.
Somehow betting lines have Le as a 3.5-1 favorite. Really? He’s 37, coming into this fight on a 20 month layoff and is fighting the toughest opponent of his career. I get it he does San Shou and it looks cool but the guy simply isn’t a star in MMA.
Prediction: Scott Smith KO’s Le with a counter hook in Round 2.
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