Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum: 9 Things to Watch for

Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum is just four days away, and fans of the heavyweight division are counting the minutes as they pass.

On deck is a new branch of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, and an array of remarkably interesting undercard bouts.

Stylistically, just about every discipline you could imagine will be on display, and some of the sport's finest assets will be bringing those skills to the table.

While we’re still days away from the event, I feel more than confident that there are a few guarantees in store for Showtime and Strikeforce fans.

9. JZ Will Fight Furiously for Contemporary Relevance

Seems like an inane statement, eh?

While it is, to an extent, Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante must show up with the fire that earned him recognition as one of the sport's finest lightweights just four years ago. The biggest problem for JZ at this point is Justin Wilcox.

Wilcox is a beast of a lightweight, and he’s got a wrestling base that few smaller men can rival. He’ll push the pace like it’s the last fight of his life, and it’s going to force Cavalcante to fight like he’s never fought before.

8. Daniel Cormier’s Wrestling Will Be Tested

Said by many to be the best purebred wrestler in the sport today, Daniel Cormier will have to fight to prove it against Jeff Monson.

Monson isn’t known for being the greatest wrestler to ever compete, but he’s no slouch on the canvas.

Three things will make this fight challenging for Cormier: Monson’s physical strength, his takedown defense, and his lethal submission skills.

If Cormier can past this daunting test, the masses may soon have to acknowledge that the man does indeed bring the strongest wrestling to the game.

7. Valentijn Overeem Will Fight Beyond His Abilities

Valentijn has always been a hot and cold fighter. At times he appears to be a submission wizard, and at times he looks more rookie than veteran.

With his brother Alistair Overeem battling for a chance to advance in the heavyweight tournament and further solidify himself as a top-three heavyweight in the world, Valentijn won’t be looking to linger in his shadow.

He’ll show up in top condition and prove that there’s more than one quality Overeem in the heavyweight landscape.

6. KJ Noons Will Box His Way to a Knockout Loss

KJ Noons is a far superior striker to Jorge Masvidal, of that there is no question.

Professional boxing experience and smooth MMA transitions have proven strengths for Noons many times in the past. He’s slick with his punches, adapts well to the traditional MMA stance, and has diversified his game with nice leg kicks and fair clinch work.

All that said, Noons hits rough spots when he battles aggressive brawlers. Masvidal fits the mold, and despite being battered early and often, Jorge will catch Noons with something big enough to put the heavy favorite to sleep.

5. Todd Moore and Mike Bronzoulis Will Provide Massive Fireworks

Neither of these men understand the concept of backing up, and both exhibit admirable mental fortitude.

Many may not have the slightest idea who either of these men are; those fortunate enough to witness the collision aren’t likely to forget it.

Both men swing big, and swing often. Both have been gifted with sturdy chins and a penchant for aggression, and it should make for a damn fine fight while it lasts.

Picking a winner is flipping a coin, but bet your pocket books these two earn some much deserved attention after what promises to be a wild fifteen minutes.

4. Jeff Monson Will Prove He’s Still a Heavyweight Threat

Jeff may not leave Strikeforce: Overeem vs, Werdum as a victor, but he won’t go down without a fight, and he’ll remind fans that even at 40 years old, he’s still a genuine threat.

I already spoke briefly on his clash with talented wrestler Cormier, but let me elaborate further.

I’m not convinced Monson overcomes the wrestling abilities of Cormier. I am however, convinced that he provides the young prospect with his greatest challenge to date.

Monson will hurt Cormier, he’ll place him in danger of being submitted, but will he find another victory in a storied career?

It’s tough to pick against a man on an eight fight win streak...and come on, just check out how bad that man looks!

3. Josh Barnett’s Age Will Start to Show

Josh has all the abilities required to defeat Brett Rogers with relative ease, but it won’t happen like that.

Barnett has begun to slow over the last few years; not tremendously so, but for those familiar with Barnett’s career, it’s noticeable.

Inactivity is a fighter’s worst enemy, and Barnett has fought just three times since January of 2009. Brett Rogers may be fairly new to this game, but he’s savvy enough to recognize this.

Look for “The Grim” to tag Josh a few times, and offer far more resilience than most predict.

Josh will likely snatch the W, but it will come after three grueling rounds that help remind fight fans that sport mileage affects all professional fighters, even those with nifty little nicknames like “The Babyfaced Assassin”.

2. Fabricio Werdum Will Look as Human as He Did on October 28th, 2008

Werdum has some incredible jiujitsu skills and a nice load of experience to carry him through challenging matches. This time around, those attributes will not help the Brazilian.

While Werdum is definitely riding a significant wave of momentum, he still hasn’t faced the destroyer that Alistair Overeem has become.

Watch for Werdum to keep the submission on his mind. Look for Alistair Overeem to keep that option out of play, and turn this into a virtual re-run of Werdum versus dos Santos.

1. Alistair Overeem Will Continue His Dominant Run

“The Demolition Man” has been decimating foes inside MMA cages and K-1 rings for the last few years, and things aren’t about to stop Saturday.

Having won the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix, Alistair has proven his striking is absolutely lethal.

Having bulked up tremendously, he’s packed on enough power to stifle massive men like Todd Duffee with startling ease.

In terms of MMA competition, Overeem hasn’t allowed a foe to escape the second round in four years, and he won’t change that pattern this weekend.

Look for Alistair to bully his way right through Fabricio Werdum, avenging a loss five years ago that’s likely annoyed him ever since.