Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament: Preview And Prediction

Strikeforce has really decided to start 2011 with a bang; or at least it hopes to. The second biggest MMA organization in the United States has announced an eight-man, single-elimination tournament involving the not only top Heavyweights in the promotion, but some of the top big men in the weight class.

Let's run through the list of names associated with this highly interesting tourney:

Alistair Overeem

Fabricio Werdum 

Antonio"Big Foot" Silva

Fedor Emelianenko 

Andrei Arlovski

Josh Barnett

Brett Rogers 

Sergei Kharitonov

This three-stage tournament has the makings of something great for both Strikeforce and MMA as a whole, but as more info comes out on the layout and rules of this tournament, one is left to wonder if it can live up to its potential. 

Bleacher Report will indulge the MMA faithful with a fantasy scenario that could prove to be quite interesting. 

ROUND 1: Fedor Vs. Silva

Next month, the top half of the bracket starts off with the biggest name in the Heavyweight division, Fedor Emelianenko, making his return against Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. 

It has been nearly seven months since The Last Emperor suffered his first real defeat at the hands of Fabricio Werdum.

For Emelianenko, he has a lot riding on this tournament; if he wins this first fight, it puts him one step closer to finally taking on the promotion's current champion, Alistair Overeem. 

With an overall tournament win, it will allow us to see the great Fedor in perhaps his final run before retirement.

While we don't want to take anything away from Werdum's shocking win, it is highly unlikely that Emelianenko will get caught in an Triangle Armbar again, but then again anything can happen in MMA. 

Look for Fedor to beat Bigfoot to advance. 

WINNER: Emelianenko

ROUND 1: Andrei Arlovski Vs. Sergei Kharitonov

A Great Stand Up Fighter vs. A Man With What Seems To Be A Glass Jaw. While Andrei Arlovski is more well known to casual MMA fans, it's Sergei Kharitonov they should really be on the lookout for. 

The Russian Mercenary is an excellent striker with good knockout power, and that does not bode well for the former UFC Heavyweight Champ, as he is coming off of his third consecutive loss since suffering a hellish knockout by Fedor at Affliction:Day of Reckoning. 

Expect to see the Belarusian start off strong, and then get clipped in the chin for the loss. 

WINNER: Kharitonov

ROUND 1: Alistair Overeem Vs. Fabricio Werdum

In April, the bottom half of the bracket has its turn, with the promotion's Heavyweight Champion taking on the Upset King, Fabricio Werdum.

One fighter has superior striking and the other has a slick ground game. It would be smart for Overeem to keep the fight in his wheelhouse as long as possible, since the odds are that he'll probably be able to take Werdum out with his power before any attack can be mounted. 

Where Werdum is most dangerous is obviously on the ground, so look for him to try to tie Overeem up against the cage (if he can) in order to nullify 'Reem's striking arsenal. 

Overall, this fight won't be going too far beyond the first round. 

WINNER: Overeem

ROUND 1: Josh Barnett Vs. Brett Rogers

In the final match of the Quarterfinal round, the Baby-Faced Assassin makes his return to action against what many consider the weakest link in the competition, Brett Rogers. 

This fight is all dependent on whether Barnett can keep clean long enough to actually pass the drug tests and fight.

Otherwise, the heavyweight alternates like Shane Del Rosario, or even Valentijn Overeem might have a shot at getting in on the tourney. 

With Rogers' limited skill set, I can't see him beating the much more seasoned Barnett. 

WINNER: Barnett 

ROUND 2: Fedor Vs. Overeem

Finally, after all the talk, the fight between two of the biggest names in the division will happen.

Overeem against Emelianenko is one of the most anticipated match ups in the history of the sport, and thankfully this tournament makes it happen.

It's just a shame that it will only be a three-round fight instead of a five-rounder, since Overeem's title is not on the line. Good job, Coker. 

Nevertheless, it will still have the makings of a great fight. Look for Fedor to survive the initial offensive onslaught from Overeem in order to take the fight to the ground.

From there, The Demolition Man is in deep trouble. 

WINNER: Emelianenko

ROUND 2: Kharitonov Vs. Barnett

Fight fans should look out for this to be the sleeper fight of the tournament.

We predict it to be a stand-up affair for all three rounds, and it will really push Barnett to the limit. 

WINNER: Barnett

FINAL ROUND: Fedor Vs. Barnett

Here we are ladies and gents, a fight that should have happened two years ago. A fight that because of Barnett's cheating and overspending killed Affliction as a promotion.

A fight that two years ago would have decided who was the definitive best Heavyweight in the world is now a precursor to a fantasy fight against Cain Velasquez or Brock Lesnar that will probably never happen. 

Nevertheless, the fight between Fedor and Barnett will be a cautious affair. Barnett will be wary of Fedor's power, and Fedor, as always, will look out for Barnett's overall well rounded arsenal. 

If Fedor is smart, he should try to actually push the pace the way that he did against Tim Sylvia; it will throw off Barnett's timing and have The Last Emperor calling it an early night. 

TOURNAMENT WINNER: Fedor Emelianenko

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