Strikeforce And Bellator Face Off On Saturday
Maybe Bellator is giving a head-to-head match up with Strikeforce a try to see how it goes. Or maybe they don’t see Strikeforce as a real competitor. Combine this with the fact that the UFC has stopped counter-programming Strikeforce events and it just seems like everyone is waiting for Strikeforce to die quietly. That’s a debate for another day.
Welterweight champion Rafael Cavalcante (10-2, 3-1 Strikeforce) will take on MMA legend Dan Henderson (26-9, 1-1 SF) in the evening’s biggest fight. This is Dan Henderson’s third fight in Strikeforce where he’s gone 1-1. He spectacularly knocked out Babalu in his last outing and now gets his second Strikeforce title fight. Cavalcante is attempting to become the first person to ever successfully defend the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship.
Champ Marloes Coenen (18-4, 2-1 SF) and replacement challenger, Liz Carmouche (5-0, 2-0 SF) will battle for the Strikeforce women’s welterweight title. Like Cavalcante, Marloes Coenen is also looking to defend her title for the first time. Miesha Tate was supposed to have this fight, but she hurt her knee a month or so ago. In steps Carmouche on short notice. Carmouche is undefeated and has fought under the Strikeforce banner twice at Challengers events.
Tim Kennedy (12-3, 3-1 SF) vs. Melvin Manhoef (24-8-1, 0-1 SF) and Billy Evangelista (11-0, 1nc, 7-0, 1nc SF) vs. Jorge Masvidal (20-6, 2-0 SF) will fill out the Strikeforce card. Manhoef is coming off a devastating KO against Robbie Lawler back in December. Melvin has seen better days, having lost 4 of his last 6. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kennedy got his first KO since 2007. As for Evangelista, you have to wonder why he’s fighting a welterweight who has lost 2 of 3 fights. Showcase fight I guess.
As for Bellator…
Saturday kicks off their welterweight tournament. Jay Hieron came to Bellator specifically because of the tournament format. I’m most excited to see Dan Hornbuckle fight. That dude is an animal. We also see Lyman Good for the first time since he lost his title to Ben Askren. Honestly, I’m confused by the Bellator belt situation. People are and aren’t fighting for the belt. I’m not worried about keeping track, just hopeful to see some good fights.
Jay Hieron (19-4, Bellator Debut) vs. Anthony Lapsley (19-4, 1-0 Bellator)
Lyman Good (10-1, 3-1 Bellator) vs. Chris Lozano (6-0, 1-0 Bellator)
Dan Hornbuckle (22-3, 3-1 Bellator) vs. Brent Weedman (17-5-1, 3-0 Bellator)
Rick Hawn (9-0, 1-0 Bellator) vs. “Judo” Jim Wallhead (20-5, 1-0 Bellator)
BELLATOR PRELIMINARY CARD
“Local Main Event”: Zoila “Warrior Princess” Frausto (10-1) vs. Karina Hallinan (3-4)
“Local Co-Main Event”: Waachiim Spiritwolf (8-7-1) vs. Jaime “El Cucui” Jara (29-8)
Josh Herrick (6-1) vs. Brandon Bender (7-0)
Jesus Castro (0-1) vs. Paul Ruiz (0-1)
STRIKEFORCE PRELIMINARY CARD
Don’t be surprised if all four fights are done by 11 o’clock and they still don’t show any of the prelims. I’m not sure if Strikeforce even has the cameras on before they go live.
Roger Bowling vs. Josh Thornburg
Tyler Combs vs. Jorge Gurgel
Jason “Jay” Freeman vs. Jason Riley
Mojo Horne vs. Brian Rogers
Marc Cofer vs. Mitch Whitesel
J.P. Felty vs. John Kuhner
[Hendo and the dudes via Getty]