Gina Carano vs. Cris Cyborg (for Strikeforce 145-pound women’s title)
Needless to say, this is a historic fight for women’s MMA. By pitting Carano against Cyborg, Strikeforce also has the fighters that can deliver on the hype. The fight should be a stand up war for as long as it lasts. In the end, Cyborg’s power and aggressiveness will overwhelm Carano. I’d take Carano in the rematch once she adjusts to Cyborg’s style, but in this fight, Carano won’t be prepared for the tornado that is coming. Cyborg wins by first round TKO.
Renato Sobral vs. Gegard Mousasi (for Strikeforce light heavyweight title)
This fight has a chance to be boring. Sobral is a good fighter, but his style isn’t the most fan-friendly. He’s at his best when he’s grinding out submission wins. On the other hand, Mousasi is a good striker that also has a talented ground game. Will it be enough to stop Sobral? Yes, eventually Mousasi will catch Sobral standing. Sobral has shown a weak chin in the past, and Mousasi will expose it. Mousasi wins by third round TKO.
Gilbert Melendez vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (for Strikeforce interim lightweight title)
Back on New Year’s Eve 2007, Ishida handed Melendez his first loss in a close, tough fight at the Yarennoka show. Now, Melendez gets a chance to avenge the defeat. Ishida used a lot of stalling and ground fighting to secure the victory, but it’s a style Melendez should be able to prepare for the second time around. Having the extra two rounds will also help Melendez. Melendez wins by fourth round TKO.
Jesse Taylor vs. Jay Hieron
Wasn’t this fight supposed to be Nick Diaz vs. Joe Riggs? Well, a lot of the luster has been taken off of the match-up with Taylor vs. Hieron, but we still have to young, active fighters that have been on a roll set to square off. Taylor has great wrestling skills, and Hieron would prefer to stand and trade. The big advantage in the fight is in experience. Hieron has been in the sport for six years while Taylor has only been fighting for three. Hieron possesses a big punch, and he’ll land one later in the fight. Hieron wins by third round TKO.