Strikeforce Fedor vs. Silva: Betting Odds and Predictions

This Saturday's Strikeforce event is chock full of compelling heavyweight clashes.

The two big Grand Prix quarter-final bouts have obvious implications for advancement in the tournament, but also for worldwide rankings.

Betting odds courtesy of Bet DSI.

FEDOR EMELIANENKO VS ANTONIO 'BIG FOOT' SILVA

Odds: Emelianenko (-425).  Silva (+325).  Obviously Emelianenko is a big time favorite to take out Antonio Silva.  With the slip up in his last fight, however, it is not a bad time for a small wager on the underdog here.

Emelianenko is quick to point out that he has defeated large opponents like Silva before, but I'm not so sure he's handled somebody that size with a BJJ black belt before.  Also, if Fabricio Werdum was unable to submit Silva on the ground, it is pretty unlikely that Fedor will.

Prediction:  While Silva is a live dog in this one, you have to figure that Fedor will find a way to win.  Silva will come prepared, but still fight through some adversity early in the fight.

After a slight momentum shift in the second from Silva's heavy ground game, Fedor will find his openings and pick up a TKO victory in the third.

ANDREI ARLOVSKI VS SERGEI KHARITONOV

Odds:  Arlovski (-110).  Kharitonov (-120).  This is a very tight one with most odds giving a very slight advantage to Kharitonov.  Arlovski has been on a skid recently while Kharitonov has not been consistently fighting top competition in recent years.

Kharitonov could be a bad stylistic matchup for Arlovski if he pushes an aggressive pace.  If Kharitonov gets greedy and sits on all his punches, Arlovski could use his speed to beat his opponent to the punch.  

Prediction:  Both men like to exchange on the feet and I think we will see limited action on the ground. 

Kharitonov will come out looking to crush the skidding Arlovski and underestimates the Belerussian's power in doing so.  A hungry Arlovski works a number of angles before finishing Kharitonov with a flurry of strikes in the first.

HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX RESERVE BOUTS

Shane Del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson-  Undefeated Del Rosario is the betting favorite here but Johnson is on a tear of his own.  Expect Johnson to fight gamely but ultimately get outclassed by the rising Del Rosario.

Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo-  Alistair's older brother and veteran fighter, Valentijn Overeem, is a small favorite over veteran kickboxer Ray Sefo.  Sefo is still a game fighter, and training out of Xtreme Couture, I see the underdog finding a way to win.

Chad Griggs vs. Gianpiero Villante-  A former NFL prospect now dedicated to fighting, Villante has the betting edge over Griggs.  I see Griggs surviving an early onslaught and turning the tides later in the fight.  I feel a split decision that could lean either way.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Results, News And More