The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Starts Tomorrow With Fedor Vs. Bigfoot

HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX QUARTERFINALS
Fedor Emelianenko (32-2, 1nc, 1-1 Strikeforce) vs. Antonio Silva (15-2, 2-1 SF)
This fight would be a worthy headliner on any card. Presumably, this is the first step on Fedor’s march to the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix title. In Bigfoot Silva’s last fight, he was battered early by Mike Kyle. Somehow he survived and went on to knock Kyle out in the second round. We all know what happened in Fedor’s last fight – the triangle heard ’round the world – and now we see his comeback. Fedor is still only 34 and in this sport is relatively young. I’m expecting some good old fashioned Fedor magic to happen. Can Fedor get past Alistair Overeem and win this whole tournament? Its possible. The important thing is that should Fedor take care of business tomorrow we either see Fedor-Overeem or Fedor-Werdum II.

Valentijn Overeem (28-25) vs. Ray Sefo (2-0, 1-0 SF)
Sefo is a kickboxer (56-21-1) who doesn’t have much MMA experience. He does have a lot of hitting and kicking people in the face experience though. Valentjin has the honor of being the last person to face Randy Couture in an originization that isn’t the UFC. Yup. Nearly 10 years ago Valentijn submitted Randy Couture. Winner might replace Fedor Emelienenko if he gets injured. Can you imagine?

Chad Griggs (9-1, 1-0 SF) vs. Gian Villante (7-0)
Griggs shocked the world when he kicked the shit out of Bobby Lashley. Villante is a 25-year-old former standout wrestler and football player at Hofstra. I wonder what kind of fanbase the native New Yorker will have in attendance for his Strikeforce debut.

Again, this is a heavyweight-heavy card. I’m fearing the worst (a bunch of gassed monsters going to decision after decision) but hoping for the best (3-minute brawls ending with somebody unconscious). I’ll be there live to marvel at how gigantic these people are in person so follow me on Twitter – @CRM_Stephen –  tomorrow night. Hopefully, I’ll get some good stuff out of Strikeforce’s trip to the area.

PRELIMINARY CARD (HDNet)
John Cholish vs. Marc Stevens
Igor Gracie vs. John Salgado
Don Carlo-Clauss vs. Sam Oropeza
Josh LaBerge vs. Anthony Leone
Jason McLean vs. Kevin Roddy

[Fedor and Bigfoot via Getty, Bracket via Strikeforce]