7 Conclusions from Strikeforce: Houston
Strikeforce provided another night of great fights, with a stacked Strikeforce: Houston fight card. Two new Strikeforce Champions were crowned in a night, which will be also remembered by Bobby Lashley’s first defeat in Mixed Martial Arts. Strikeforce will return only in next October, leaving us some food for thoughts. Here are my seven conclusions from Strikeforce: Houston.
Pictures: Sherdog.com
Daniel Cormier: The AKA product is a huge asset for Strikeforce, and without a doubt a future Mixed Martial Arts superstar. The bout against Jason Riley was Cormier’s 3rd bout in the last three weeks, and another first round finish. Cormier does well my gaining as much experience as possible, step by step rising the level of his opponents. He will defend his XMMA Heavyweight title against the experienced Soa Palelei in November, in what will be a first real tough test for the Louisiana-born fighter. My prediction is that Daniel Cormier will fight for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Title in the start of 2011.
Bobby Lashley: In today’s MMA if you want to compete at the highest level, you have to be a well-rounded fighter as much as possible. It’s a simple fact, and everyone including Bobby Lashley knows what you have to do to succeed in the sport. So the question that Bobby Lashley has to ask himself, is what kind of MMA fighter he wants to become? His future as MMA fighter depends on the answer.
Chad Griggs: The Gravedigger provided probably one of the more pleasant upsets of the recent time with his victory over Bobby Lashley. And it’s not because someone wanted Lashley to lose, it’s because of proving the doubters (including myself) that everything can happen inside the Cage or Ring. Big props for Chad Griggs to preparing well for the fight, studying his opponent and coming in excellent shape. Griggs is not even a “full time” fighter, but yet a wonderful example of how a professional MMA fighter should approach the fight. Griggs vs Del Rosario could be a wonderful fight, but I’m not sure if Strikeforce would like him to dig a grave for another Heavyweight prospect.
KJ Noons: “The King” has definitely cleared up his way for a shot at Gilbert Melendez’ gold. Six consecutive victories, four finishes. KJ Noons is the best Strikeforce Lightweight roster has currently to offer. Just like many other MMA fans, I would love to see Melendez vs Eddie Alvarez, but if the deal with Bellator falls through, KJ Noons-Melendez is definitely a fantastic match-up.
Jacare Souza: The Brazilian has definitely claimed his spot as one of the top Middleweights currently competing in MMA. While his lackluster bout against Tim Kennedy is far from being “Fight of the Night”, Ronaldo Souza proved himself as a well-rounded MMA fighter, who can win a title fight without even putting his main asset to use (what you can’t say about Bobby Lashley, for instance). Souza will have to wait for the outcome of Strikeforce’s Middleweight Tournament, as the rematch against Jason Mayhem Miller is more than welcome.
King Mo: When talking about someone of Lawal’s mindset and technical abilities, it’s hard to write him off after just one defeat. Mo put up a tremendous fight against Feijao, and I still consider him as one of the best Light Heavyweights out there. It all depends on what he’ll learn from defeat, and how he approaches his next fight. Mo vs Mousasi is probably the only option Strikeforce currently have on the table, and it will truly be “all or nothing” bout for the both fighters.
Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante: The first thing that impresses me in Feijao is his patience during the fight. We’ve seen the same thing against Antwain Britt, and the same thing against Muhammed Lawal. Feijao did a wonderful job by stopping Lawal’s takedowns, before hitting the Champ right on the button in the third round. Ten victories, nine TKO’s. Cavalcante is a great addition to Strikeforce Light Heavyweight division, but will have to prove himself for another time against a top class opponent, before we put him into the Top 10 LHW Rankings.
