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The FightLockdown Forecast - Strikeforce: Miami
Written by Miles Hackett   
Friday, 29 January 2010 18:27
Tomorrow night at the BankAtlantic Center, Showtime will be broadcasting Strikeforce: Miami, which looks to provide us yet another night of exciting fights! Giving you your forecast for tomorrow are Joshua Taylor, Jamie Hughes, David Anthony, Brad Taschuk, and Miles Hackett. Find out what’s on their MMA radars, after the jump!


Main Card


Nick Diaz vs. Marius “Whitemare” Zaromskis

Joshua Taylor: So after much shuffling and debate we finally will have a Strikeforce WW champion after this match. Zaromskis is a head-kick machine who has been on a warpath as of late, and while Diaz possesses an extremely slick ground game, he has been finishing opponents standing. In this fight though, Diaz will be aware of Marius abilities and I think will work his ground game long enough to get into the later rounds where Zaromskis will be tired. I think Nick will work the body throughout and finish the fight in the third via strikes. Winner via 3rd round (T)KO: Nick Diaz.

Jamie Hughes: This is a fight in which the stand-up will play the key role in deciding where the balance swings. Zaromskis possesses very explosive and flashy stand-up, and has good power, but in return, Nick Diaz has very unorthodox and effective boxing. On the ground, Diaz has a very big advantage, so if the fight hits the mat he will be able to control Zaromskis. I can see Diaz coping well on the feet, keeping the distance and using his punches in bunches style to fluster Zaromskis, eventually he will get the fight to the ground though, where victory is certain. Winner via 3rd round Submission: Nick Diaz.

David Anthony: Though Nick Diaz has "effective boxing" and throws a lot of punches, people seem to forget that he likes to get punched in the face. A lot. I really don't think he can afford to do that against Zaromskis for the better part of five rounds. We have all seen that Diaz has an excellent chin. But a chin like that goes out at some point if it takes enough abuse. I think Nick gets dropped early in the fight, scrambles to get it to the ground, and submits the DREAM welterweight champ. But I would not be surprised if Zaromskis knocks him out. Especially since his takedown defense didn't look too shabby against a much better wrestler in Jason High. Winner via 2nd round Submission: Nick Diaz.

Brad Taschuk: To me, Marius Zaromskis is a guy who hasn't quite proven himself yet. He beat an uninspired Mach, a worn-out Jason High, and a bunch of various cans. However, he's also lost to Che Mills (of Ultimate Fighter "fame")... twice. Nick Diaz is by far the best opponent Zaromskis has ever faced, and he will test if Marius has what it takes to enter the upper echelon of fighters at 170, and frankly, I don't think he does. Winner via 2nd round Submission: Nick Diaz.

Miles Hackett: As much as I’ll be cheering Zaromskis, I feel that if he finds himself on his back, he’s in trouble. That said, I think he stands a better chance than most people give him, as his sprawl is actually quite good and his stand-up is devastating. Diaz is tough as nails, but should he choose to stand with Zaromskis, he will not win this fight. Once he gets a taste of Marius’ power and speed, I see him clinching and tripping the Lithuanian star, and eventually getting the submission. Winner via 3rd round Submission: Nick Diaz.


The Final Forecast: Nick Diaz scorches Zaromskis on the ground then blazes with his Stockton crew.


Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Marloes Coenen

Joshua: Coenen is no newcomer having 20 pro bouts to her name, but I also don’t think she will be able to handle the intensity and power of Cyborg. Santos just seems to overwhelm opponents with her pace and aggressiveness and while I think Marloes has the experience to survive for a few rounds, I don’t think she will be able to mount enough offense to steal any rounds. Santos will control the first two rounds and score a finish on an exhausted Coenen in the 3rd. If this happens to be contested under five minute rounds then I adjust my prediction to 2nd round. Winner via 3rd round (T)KO: Cristiane Santos.

Jamie: I will keep this short and sweet, Coenen has a good submission game, but Santos has too much strength, power, and well-rounded skills. I see Santos picking up a dominant (T)KO victory. Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Cristiane Santos.

David: Coenen has a good record, is a natural in this weight class, and has a sub-game. But she is nowhere near the physical specimen that Santos is at the moment. Despite her striking credentials, I can't see Coenen dealing with Cyborg's wild, relentless stand-up. And if Baszler couldn't submit Santos with her knee practically hyper-extended, I don't see Coenen doing it. Cyborg dominates this fight everywhere it goes. Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Cristiane Santos.

Brad: I'm hoping that Strikeforce implements 5-minute rounds for this fight as well, because the 3-minute rounds completely ruin the dynamic of the fight. Assuming that 5-minute rounds are in place, I see Cyborg overwhelming Coenen in the first round, as she does to almost all of her opponents. Coenen has been stopped before by a hard-hitting striker in Erin Toughill, and I see this fight ending somewhat similarly. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Cristiane Santos.

Miles: Coenen’s made some adjustments to her stand-up, but I still feel that Cyborg’s animalistic attack and power will overwhelm the brave challenger. Unless Coenen pulls off a surprise submission, I feel that she will be waking up to the bright lights of the BankAtlantic Center. Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Cristiane Santos.


The Final Forecast: Cris “Cyborg” Convincingly and Charismatically Crushes Coenen’s Cranium.


"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler vs. "Marvellous" Melvin Manhoef

Joshua: Wow, a dream fight for many MMA fans and when the Strikeforce/Dream partnership was announced, this was one of the very first matches to pop into many of our minds. Anyone who will stand with Melvin makes for a very fun fight to watch and this should be no exception. While I think the gameplan for Lawler will include looking for a takedown, Robbie isn’t exactly known for being a ring general and sticking to gameplans. Melvin has shown that he can be rocked  (even KO’d) and I think if Robbie lands a solid shot early, he will gain false confidence and feel comfortable on the feet which will be a big mistake. Melvin just needs to shrug off a couple of takedown attempts and look for big power shots, which I think he will land. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Melvin Manhoef.

Jamie: I think his fight is going to stay standing, both men are renowned for their love of brawling and looking for the finish, so this will be a battle of who lands the heavy shot first. I believe Manhoef has the better KO power and the more technical striking, and without having to worry too much about being taken down, he will have the tools to dispose of Lawler in spectacular fashion. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Melvin Manhoef.

David: When I heard that Robbie wanted to stand with Manhoef, my exact words were: "Ha ha, ha". Melvin is an absolute beast on the feet, and though I am absolutely a Lawler fan, Robbie wants none of his stand-up. If he takes it to the ground, he may be able to pound Melvin out, but even that seems unlikely to me. This fight goes one of two ways, in my mind: Robbie gets a nasty concussion, or he desperately lays on top of Melvin for three rounds. Despite Melvin's absence of a ground game, I find the latter unlikely. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Melvin Manhoef.

Brad: When I first heard about this fight, I thought "Lawler could use his wrestling and make this quite interesting." However, recent developments have changed my view. Between Lawler's comments, and Matt Hughes saying he really doesn't have any control over Robbie's gameplan, it seems like Lawler is destined for an unplanned nap. Who knows though? Maybe Lawler is just throwing us all for a loop. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Melvin Manhoef.

Miles: All I could think of when this first fight was announced, was Lawler’s fight with Spratt. Lawler has matured as a fighter since his first UFC loss, but I still feel that as a striker he doesn’t match-up well with guys who chop legs for fun. Melvin Manhoef doesn’t just have great power in his hands, but his punch-kick combinations are explosive, and if he can take out Lawler’s legs, Robbie’s power will diminish and so will his ability to shoot. I think Robbie will come to his senses and realize he’s not going to beat Manhoef to the punch, unfortunately that’ll be after he’s knocked unconscious. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Melvin Manhoef.


The Final Forecast: “Marvellous” Melvin makes Robbie Lawler an early nominee for “Worst Gameplan of 2010”.


Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron vs. Joe "Diesel" Riggs

Joshua: Ever since Riggs lost to Misaki in September of 2008 he has actually looked re-focused and really good. With this fight having title shot implications, I believe he will come in shape and focused and give Hieron one hell of a fight. While both fighters have good skills in all areas of the fight game I don’t see either being exceptional anywhere. I think we will see a little bit of everything in this one, but Hieron will do enough to take at least two rounds, earning the decision victory. Winner via Unanimous Decision: Jay Hieron.

Jamie: I think in this fight both men have similar skill sets, but I think Hieron is the more technical fighter of the two. He’ll likely use a good mix of disciplined stand-up and takedowns to steal each round on the scorecards. Winner via Unanimous Decision: Jay Hieron.

David: Joe Riggs used to be pretty good. But he's not anymore. And while he looked great against Phil Baroni, that was Phil Baroni. I think Riggs' heart takes him to a decision as Hieron generally has his way with him throughout the fight. Winner via Unanimous Decision: Jay Hieron.

Brad: Jay Hieron is one of the most perennially underrated Welterweights in the world. Joe Riggs is at best a Rage in the Cage-type headliner. Riggs still has power in his hands, but aside from that Hieron has this fight at every turn. He likely keeps it on the feet for 3 rounds and outpoints Riggs for a competitive, but clear, decision. Winner via Unanimous Decision: Jay Hieron.

Miles: I don’t really agree that Hieron’s "under-rated", I think he simply defeats opponents that he should, and not much else. He’s a strong wrestler with slightly above average striking and an equally passable submission game. Joe Riggs is one of the most inconsistent fighters to ever grace the sport and, as a result, it’s very difficult to predict how he will perform fight-to-fight. I think Riggs will be the better striker in this contest and he’ll have the edge with submissions, but I feel that Hieron’s pace and wrestling pedigree will allow him to control the clinch, win takedowns, and maintain top position. Probably the least interesting fight on the card, in my opinion. Winner via Unanimous Decision: Jay Hieron.


The Final Forecast: “The Thoroughbred” runs a train on “Diesel”.


Bobby Lashley vs. Wes Sims

Joshua: So after weeks and weeks of rumored opponents and shuffling, we finally land on Wes Sims as the opponent for Lashley. Personally, I feel this is a great match-up because Sims has experience and some name value, but is very beatable. He has shown a serious lack of cardio in the past and can be pushed around which is exactly what Lashley will want to do. Due to Sims height and reach, I see Bobby looking for a takedown early and will work his ground striking for the finish. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Bobby Lashley.

Jamie: This is Lashley's first real test, not that Sims is a world beater, but he has experience and knows his way around the cage, so he could cause a few problems for Lashley. However, I think Lashley’s athleticism and strength will lead him to victory. Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Bobby Lashley.

David: I don't see either guy's gameplan being a mystery. Bobby Lashley wants to lay on top of Sims and punch him in the face, while Sims wants to get Lashley down and stomp on his head. Unfortunately, Lashley is the only one in this fight that has a realistic route to victory that is not against the rules in American MMA. Winner via 1st round (T) KO: Bobby Lashley.

Brad: So, stomps are legal in this fight, right? Because the self-proclaimed "Ninja" has some of the most vicious stomps in the game. Wes Sims truly missed his calling as an American wild child in PRIDE or DREAM, and thus his fate is to get beaten up by a much stronger, faster, better wrestler. Lashley continues his "rise" in the world of MMA, although beating Wes Sims is hardly noteworthy. Winner via 1st round (T)KO: Bobby Lashley.

Miles: I’m hoping for a “Hogan leg-drop”, but I won’t bank on it. Even though both men haven’t been training long for this fight, I feel that Lashley’s training environment will give him the confidence to take on a journeyman like Sims. Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Bobby Lashley.


The Final Forecast: Wes Sims shows that he’s actually a better fit for pro-wrestling than Lashley, while Lashley shows he is a better fit for mixed martial arts than Sims.



Preliminary Card


Sabah Homasi vs. John Kelly

Joshua: Winner via 1st round (T)KO: John Kelly.

Jamie: Winner via 1st round (T)KO: John Kelly.

David: Winner via 1st round (T)KO: John Kelly.

Brad: Winner via Unanimous Decision: John Kelly.

Miles: Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: John Kelly.


The Final Forecast: John Kelly scores a quick KO in his Strikeforce debut.


Pablo Alfonso vs. Marcos "Parrumpinha" Da Matta

Joshua: Winner via Unanimous Decision: Marcos Da Matta.

Jamie: Winner via 1st round Submission: Marcos Da Matta.

David: Winner via 2nd round Submission: Marcos Da Matta.

Brad: Winner via 2nd round Submission: Marcos Da Matta.

Miles: Winner via Unanimous Decision: Marcos Da Matta.


The Final Forecast: Marcos shows Alfonso “What’s Da Matta”.


"Hershey" Herschel Walker vs. Greg "The Sacrificial Lamb" Nagy

Joshua: Winner via Unanimous Decision: Herschel Walker.

Jamie: Winner via 1st round Submission: Herschel Walker.

David: Winner via 2nd round (T)KO: Herschel Walker.

Brad: Winner via Unanimous Decision: Herschel Walker.

Miles: Winner via 2nd round Submission: Herschel Walker.


The Final Forecast: Herschel Walker beats a fighter who has no business being on a stage as large as the one he’s being given. Herschel doesn’t deserve it either.


David Zitnik vs. Michael Byrnes

Joshua: Winner via 2nd round Submission: David Zitnik.

Jamie: Winner via Unanimous Decision: David Zitnik.

David: Winner via Unanimous Decision: David Zitnik.

Brad: Winner via 3rd round Submission: David Zitnik.

Miles: Winner via 2nd round Submission: David Zitnik.


The Final Forecast: Zitnik adds a hard-earned submission to his resume.


Craig Oxley vs. David Gomez

Joshua: Winner via 1st round (T)KO: David Gomez.

Jamie: Winner via Unanimous Decision: David Gomez.

David: Winner via Unanimous Decision: David Gomez.

Brad: Winner via 1st round Submission: David Gomez.

Miles: Winner via 1st round Submission: David Gomez.


The Final Forecast: David Gomez shows Craig Oxley that you can’t abandon competing in MMA for 9 years and return to success.