Four weeks after a show that drew weak ratings on CBS and got bad press for a post-fight brawl, Strikeforce will try to get back on track Saturday night with a fight card featuring four good heavyweights in the top two fights. We've got the full preview and predictions below.
What: Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery
When: Saturday, Showtime broadcast begins at 10 PM ET.
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis
Predictions on the five televised fights:
Alistair Overeem vs. Brett Rogers
This fight is for Strikeforce's heavyweight belt, and it's the return of Overeem to the United States after a couple years of fighting in Japan, focusing mostly on kickboxing while winning some MMA squash matches. I really don't know what to expect from Overeem now that he's back on American soil and fighting a big, tough, powerful puncher like Rogers, but I suspect that Overeem is going to struggle against an opponent he can't physically manhandle, and that Rogers will knock him out.
Pick: Rogers
Andrei Arlovski vs. Antonio Silva
This is Arlovski's first fight since Rogers knocked him out in 22 seconds a year ago, and there's no way to know what kind of shape he's in. If he comes out rusty, he's going to lose to Silva, a well-rounded fighter who's about 30 pounds heavier than Arlovski. But I believe Arlovski will come back in great shape and get back on track with his first victory since he knocked out Roy Nelson in 2008.
Pick: Arlovski
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Joey Villaseñor
Jacare is one of the best submission grapplers in the world, and I don't think he'll have much trouble taking Villasenor down and submitting him.
Pick: Souza
Roger Gracie vs. Kevin Randleman
Gracie's submission skills are right up there with Jacare's, and I expect Gracie to have an even easier time winning by submission than Jacare will. Randleman, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is way past his prime and has been talking about retirement. Gracie could bring Randleman's career to an end on Saturday night.
Pick: Gracie
Rafael Cavalcante vs. Antwain Britt
This matchup of light heavyweight strikers should be a lot of fun for as long as it lasts, which probably won't be very long. I like Cavalcante to knock Britt out in the first round.
Pick: Cavalcante
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