MMATH

Nov. 7th is Strikeforce’s opening event on CBS. Some good fights on this card and of course interesting drama regarding the turn out the event garners. I’m glad Strikeforce is doing the CBS contract, even above the UFC due to their attempt to take MMA a little more serious (somewhat less biased announcers, etc) in its presentation to the public. I decided to throw my hat in for this event and to name some picks. Let’s see how well I do against the likes of MMA Money Line or MMA Valor.

Main Bouts (on CBS):
-Fedor Emelianenko (30-1) vs. Brett Rogers (10-0)

Fedor controls this bout every way you look at it. The only potential edge that you can give to Rogers would be sheer strength of striking. Despite his ham-fisted approach to striking, Rogers has KOd all of his previous opponents. Even bearing this in mind, Fedor has been down this road before against more dangerous strikers without any severe detriment as a result. I expect Fedor to clinch, get an early takedown and a quick submission victory all within the first round.

-Jake Shields (23-4-1) vs. Jason “Mayhem” Miller (22-6)

Shields is an excellent grappler but has a striking game that parallels Frankenstein. Despite this deficit and the fact that he will almost definitely come in lighter than Miller, Shields is still the favorite. Miller is very experienced and no slouch on the ground. He will enjoy an edge standing, but his ground game is no match for Shields’. I just don’t see Miller managing to keep this fight standing for the entirety. If Robbie Lawler couldn’t do it, then I doubt Miller will either. Shields will likely employ a submission victory within the first two rounds.
-Gegard Mousasi (26-2-1) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (7-4)

Mousasi would have to colossally regress in all of his skills to let this fight go. Sokoudjou’s only shot at winning the fight is his quickness and strength. Bearing this in mind, Mousasi is still not in any great danger. I expect an early submission victory from the vastly superior grappler within the first round.
-Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1) vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (13-1)

This fight is proving to be one of the more interesting bouts on the card. Not due to the excitement that it promises (excitement is not too likely here), but more as a credit to seeing just how good Silva actually is. Silva is a huge HW with an impressive record against sub par opponents. His biggest victory is arguably Ricco Rodriguez, who he only managed a split decision against. Werdum has had much greater competition and success on the big stage. Silva may be a solid fighter, but I’m doubting he’s at the level of Werdum just yet. Silva’s best chance at victory is a slow, meticulous fight, controlling the pace in the top position for a decision. Don’t expect fireworks, but Werdum definitely has the chops to submit or knock out Silva. I expect Werdum to outwork Silva for a decision victory.