Strikeforce Overeem vs. Werdum: Predictions You Can Take to the Bank

Shocking that there is one event outside of the UFC this month, right? Well here is the Strikeforce fight card featuring the final two fights of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.

The main event features two fighters who have already met once earlier between Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum.

Werdum is considered by a lot of people a top five heavyweight after his submission victory over all-time heavyweight legend, Fedor Emelianenko in June 2010.

Overeem is considered by a lot of people a top 10 heavyweight and is coming off of a huge—and very quick victory—over former UFC heavyweight prospect, Todd Duffee.

Not to be outdone, though, is a bout between another well known and great heavyweight, Josh Barnett, and once considered the next big thing in the heavyweight division, Brett Rogers.

So here they are, Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum predictions.

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K.J. Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

Lightweight Bout

K.J. Noons (10-3 MMA, 2-1 Strikeforce)

Eight wins by knockout, two by decision

One loss by knockout, one by submission, one by decision

Jorge Masvidal (21-6 MMA, 3-0 Strikeforce)

10 wins by decision, 10 by knockout, one by submission

Three losses by decision, two by submission, one by knockout

Breakdown: This should be a standup war, with both fighters possessing some really nice striking skills. Personally, this is a tough decision as I like both strikers, but I think Noons has a solid advantage in this fight, especially with a lightweight title shot on the line for both fighters.

Prediction: Noons by first-round TKO

Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs

Heavyweight Bout

Valentijn Overeem (29-25 MMA, 1-0 Strikeforce)

17 wins by submission, 11 by knockout, one by decision

15 losses by submission, nine by knockout, one by decision

Chad Griggs (10-1 MMA, 2-0 Strikeforce)

Nine wins by knockout, one by submission

One loss by submission

Breakdown: Both these fighters have a combined 65 fights. In those 65 fights, only two fights have gone the full length. Of course both those are from Overeem, but the last time one of his fights went to a decision was in 2003.

I like Griggs (I think everyone should fear the sideburns) but if this fight gets to the ground, I can't bet against Overeem. Plus, this fight definitely doesn't go more than a round and a half tops.

Prediction: Overeem by first round submission

Daniel Cormier vs. Jeff Monson

Heavyweight Bout

Daniel Cormier (7-0 MMA, 4-0 Strikeforce)

Three wins by knockout, three by submission, one by decision

No losses

Jeff Monson (42-11 MMA, 0-0 Strikeforce)

26 wins by submission, 14 by decision, two by knockout

Seven losses by decision, two by knockout, two by submission

Breakdown: Cormier showed in his last fight some pretty good skills and with his wrestling there is no reason he can't grind out Monson for a decision.

I don't think Monson will get a chance to showcase his submission skills and I think age could probably play a factor in this. And again, Cormier has that high-level wrestling.

Prediction: Cormier by unanimous decision

Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers

Heavyweight Grand Prix Bout

Josh Barnett (29-5 MMA, 0-0 Strikeforce)

17 wins by submission, seven by knockout, four by decision, one by disqualification

Two losses by submission, two by decision, one by knockout

Brett Rogers (11-2 MMA, 2-2 Strikeforce)

10 wins by knockout, one by decision

Two losses by knockout

Breakdown: Barnett is a heavy favorite and for good reason. Rogers hasn't fought inside Strikeforce since his loss to Alistair Overeem for the Strikeforce heavyweight title, but is coming off of a unanimous decision victory against Ruben Villareal at W-1 New Ground last October.

Rogers has some heavy hands, but Barnett has a lot of experience and in all of his career fights has only been knocked out once (with one submission loss due to punches).

I think Barnett can survive Rogers and if it goes to the ground, with Barnett on top he should be able to submit Rogers, although it will be very tough considering the strength of Rogers.

Prediction: Barnett by second-round submission

Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

Alistair Overeem (34-11 MMA, 3-0 Strikeforce)

19 wins by submission, 14 by knockout, one by decision

Six losses by knockout, three by decision, two by submission

Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1 MMA, 3-0 Strikeforce)

Eight wins by decision, four by knockout, two by decision

Three losses by decision, one by knockout

Breakdown: Overeem hasn't lost a match since his 2007 loss to Sergei Kharitonov by first-round knockout and is considered a top 3 heavyweight by some, and a top 10 by others. Werdum is coming off of a huge victory over Fedor Emelianenko almost a year ago.

Question here is does Werdum's ring rust play a factor and does Overeem keep this fight standing? These two fighters previously met and Werdum was the victor by second round submission. Of course, that was way back in the land before time.

I think Overeem should be able to keep the fighting for a little while taking advantage of his big advantage in the striking department in this matchup.

Prediction: Overeem by second round TKO