The opening round of Strikeforce's Heavyweight World Grand Prix has provided some great highlights : A highlight reel KO and slugfest, and a monumental upset. Unfortunately, that was the first half, as the second half on Saturday night provided nothing but unmemorable and uninspired tilts that left fans booing and must have had even Scott Coker scratching his head.
In the Main Event, Strikeforce heavyweight kingpin Alistair Overeem took on Fabricio Werdum. While many people figured Overeem would walk through Werdum, they were instead treated to a 15 minute contest that featured the Dutch kickboxer showing his precise striking and strength (throwing the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion down several times) but also confused many, as when Overeem used his grappling prowess he never seemed to posture or use ground and pound, ever weary of Werdum's ground skills. It was also apparent that Overeem's cardio was suspect, as after the final bell during the postfight interview he looked fatigued and obviously frustrated, that factoring in 'Reem leaving a leg free late in the 3rd for a Werdum kneebar attempt. However, despite the disappointing effort, the 3 judges scored it for "The Demolition Man" with scores of 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.
Next for Overeem : Bigfoot Silva.
Next for Werdum : I'd say throw him Chad Griggs, who defeated Alistair's brother Valentjin as the first fight on the card. Either that, or Brett Rogers (but we know how that would end).
The other quarterfinal on the night featured former UFC heavyweight kingpin Josh Barnett and fearsome brawler Brett Rogers. The first round got off to a feverish pace, with both man throwing strikes and trying to feel the pace out. After an impressive takedown by "The Baby Faced Assassin" with a slam, Barnett spent the majority of the rest of the first round dominating from top position, landing a strike here and there and attempting a submission, though not able to put Rogers away. The second round had Barnett reverse a Rogers takedown attempt and land right in a full mount, with him mercifully putting away "The Grim" at just 1:17 of the second round.
Next for Barnett : Sergei Kharitonov.
Next for Rogers : learning how to hip escape. In fact learning some BJJ skills because he has absolutely no ground game whatsoever. Also makes you wonder, was he really just too big for Fedor to tap, or was Fedor just really that sloppy?
Honorable Mention : I said I was looking most forward to the opening tilt of the night featuring reserve heavyweights Chad Griggs and Valentjin Overeem, and it did not disappoint. After a standup stalemate that put neither ahead of the other, Griggs was able to secure a takedown and wore on the Dutchman, finally finishing him with several hard shots that made Valentjin tap. With the victory, he improves to 11 victories in 12 fights. I know he's a can, but he's a tough one. Also, KJ Noons and Masvidal, with Noons showing tremendous heart as Masvidal's superior boxing technique left him a bloody mess, though Noons went for it and never tired, still trying to secure a victory, despite his forehead looking like a leaky faucet.
Josh Barnett doing the entire world a favor, cutting a WWE-esque promo following his victory. Not that the promo was any good, but he actually did something the whole world has wanted for quite a while : He got Gus Johnson to SHUT UP. I've always loved him doing the NCAAs, but as an MMA commentator he just seems a step out of place.
So overall, i went undefeated (2-0) on my picks, which brings me to 28-16-2 for the year.
Until next time, fight fans.
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