Strikeforce will try to recreate the magic of the last card Fedor was on, featuring supporting bouts of Cung Le v. Scott Smith, Josh Thomson v. Pat Healy and Cris Cyborg v. Jan Finney. Here is a look at the bouts:
Fedor Emelianenko v. Fabricio Werdum- This is the first bout for Fedor (31-1) since his knockout win over Brett Rogers at Strikeforce - Chicago. Fedor has been training in his native Russia in anticipation of this bout against Werdum (13-4-1), a 2X ADCC heavyweight champion and Brazilian national champion.
Fedor will be looking to keep this fight standing, unloading his trademark overhand punches that seem to topple the largest foe imaginable. While some critics decry the level of competition Fedor has faced lately, all of his past opponents, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Brett Rogers have been legit top ten heavyweights when they fought.
(Fedor KO's Arlovski)
Fabricio Werdum will be looking to get the fight to the ground early and often to utilize his world renown jiu-jitsu skills. The task will be difficult, but Werdum has defeated many top fighters, including Brandon Vera, Junior Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga and Fedor's own brother, Aleks.
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos v. Jan Finney- This women's middleweight title fight will seems quite mismatched on paper. Cyborg (9-1) has destroyed everyone in her wake since coming to America. The slugger has worked over former Elite XC champ Gina Carano, submission wizard Marloes Coenen and Shayna Bazler all via TKO.
(Cris Cyborg Pictured)
Jan Finney (8-7) will have her hands full with the Brazilian bomber, but since a decision loss to Erin Toughill, has managed to rattle off four consecutive victories. Look for Finney to keep her distance before using strikes to set up a takedown. However, that is easier said than done against Cyborg.
Cung Le v. Scott Smith- This fight is a rematch of their bout from 12/19/09. In the first fight, Cung Le (6-1) peppered Smith (17-6) with kicks and long range manuevers for 2 and a half rounds, dominating the fight. Midway through the third, the tide turned, as Smith was able to connect with big punches, eventually KO'ing Le.
Look for Le to use his trademark spinning back kick to set up a high kick, in an effort to end the fight. Look for the heavy-handed Smith will look to get inside, taking the bout to the floor, or working power punches from the inside.
(Cung Le spinning back kick)
UNDER CARD
Pat Healy v. Josh Thomson
Brett Bergmark v. Vagner Rocha
Valdir Araujo v. Yancey Medeiros
Derrick Burnsed v. Bobby Stack
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