Strikeforce: Predictions for Rockhold vs. Jardine and Every Main Card Fight

On January 7th, 2012 Strikeforce will open the new year in style as they'll be traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada for Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine.

Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine will air live from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino beginning at 8:00 p.m ET/PT with a delayed west coast show time.

The main card will be headlined around current middleweight champion Luke Rockhold who will attempt to successfully defend his title against number one contender, Keith Jardine.

Also featured on the main card is Robbie Lawler who will attempt to bounce back from recent defeats when he meets Adlan Amagov.

The following slides display information and predictions for every main card bout.

Let's take a look.

Tarec Saffiedine vs. Tyler Stinson

Tarec Saffiedine

Career Record: 11-3

Strikeforce Record: 3-1

Key Wins: Scott Smith

Key Losses: Tyron Woodley

Tyler Stinson

Career Record: 22-7

Strikeforce Record: 1-0

Key Wins: Drew Fickett

Key Losses: Steve Carl

In the first main card bout of the evening on Showtime, Tarec Saffiedine will look to continue his recent success against fellow welterweight, Tyler Stinson.

In a black and white bout, it's likely Saffiedine will look to overwhelm Stinson as he'll be making his Strikeforce debut.

Saffiedine will do this by taking his opponent to the ground and unraveling his second-to-none submission skills.

However, in order to do so, Saffiedine will have to survive an early stand-up attack by Stinson as he's recognized as a very dangerous striker.

While Stinson may connect on early combinations, Saffiedine will be able to take the fight to the ground and finish his opponent from there.

Prediction: Saffiedine by R2 Submission

Jordan Mein vs. Tyron Woodley

Jordan Mein

Career Record: 23-7

Strikeforce Record: 1-0

Key Wins: Joe Riggs

Key Losses: Jason High

Tyron Woodley

Career Record: 9-0

Strikeforce Record: 7-0

Key Wins: Paul Daley

Key Losses: N/A

Jordan Mein and Tyron Woodley will clash in a welterweight showdown in what has potential to be one of the most exciting fights of the evening.

Mein is as well-rounded as it gets as he will control the fight early and be able to feel comfortable in nearly every situation presented his way.

However, Mein will be taking on arguably the toughest opponent of his career as Woodley is not only well-rounded in his own right but he's never lost a fight.

Woodley will attempt to put Mein on his back and grind out a decision victory.

If Mein wants to prevail, he'll need to finish Woodley.

But, that's never been done before.

Prediction: Woodley by Unanimous Decision

Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal vs. Lorenz Larkin

Muhammed Lawal

Career Record: 8-1

Strikeforce Record: 3-1

Key Wins: Roger Gracie

Key Losses: Rafael Cavalcante

Lorenz Larkin

Career Record: 12-0

Strikeforce Record: 3-0

Key Wins: Nick Rossborough

Key Losses: N/A

There isn't a huge difference in style as both Muhammed Lawal and Lorenz Larkin like to put on a show for their fans.

Lawal, one of the most fearless fighters in the sport of MMA will be swinging for the fences early as he is home to power in both hands.

Larkin is also an exceptional striker as he's finished eight of his 12 fights by way of knockout.

However, Larkin has yet to prove he can finish quality opponents at the premier stages of MMA as he's gone to the judge's scorecards in his most recent bouts.

If "King Mo" can connect on a series of strikes, it could be an early night for the undefeated Larkin.

Prediction: Lawal by R2 TKO

Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov

Robbie Lawler

Career Record: 18-8 (1)

Strikeforce Record: 2-4

Key Wins: Melvin Manhoef, Frank Trigg

Key Losses: Tim Kennedy, Jake Shields

Adlan Amagov

Career Record: 9-1-1

Strikeforce Record: 2-0

Key Wins: Anthony Smith

Key Losses: Alexey Oleinik

In the first of two middleweight bouts, Robbie Lawler will look to get his career back on the right path when he takes on up-and-coming middleweight, Adlan Amagov.

Lawler's matchup against Amagov will be one of the more interesting bouts of the evening as Lawler has been sub par at best as of late.

However, it will only take one blow to finish one another off as it's almost set in stone that these two will remain on their feet as long as their bout may last.

Over the course of their careers, Lawler and Amagov has combined for just one submission victory leading fans to believe we could see a Lesnar vs. Overeem rerun.

Who ever lands the connecting blow will leave Las Vegas with the victory.

Prediction: Amagov by R2 TKO

Keith Jardine vs. Luke Rockhold

Keith Jardine

Career Record: 17-9-2

Strikeforce Record: 0-0-1

Key Wins: Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin

Key Losses: Quinton Jackson, Wanderlei Silva

Luke Rockhold

Career Record: 8-1

Strikeforce Record: 7-0

Key Wins: Ronaldo Souza, Paul Bradley

Key Losses: Tony Rubalcava

In the main event of the evening at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine, Luke Rockhold will look to remain the middleweight champion when he puts his title up for grabs against the popular Keith Jardine.

Many believe Jardine lacks the skills to defeat Rockhold as he's washed up and heading towards to exit of his MMA career.

It's also believed that Rockhold is too advanced in the submission game for Jardine to last more than a round or two.

However, what many fail to realize is that Jardine has never been submitted in his career as he's trained with Jackson's Submission Fighting.

If Jardine can prove he is worthy of fighting for Strikeforce gold and defend against Rockhold's Rear-Naked Choke, he'll stand a fighter's chance.

In order for Jardine to be declared victorious he'll need to out-strike Rockhold or outlast his opponent until the final bell rings.

But, when the clock runs out, it's likely Rockhold will be too conditioned for Jardine to keep up with.

Prediction: Rockhold by Unanimous Decision

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