Tomorrow's Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson will take place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight title defense from champion Rafael Cavalcante and challenger Dan Henderson.
Strikeforce Predictions: Rafael Feijao Vs. Dan Hendeson
SB Nation MMA offers predictions for Strikeforce’s Rafael Cavalcante vs. Dan Henderson, Marloes Coenen vs. Liz Carmouche, Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef and Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal.
Another title on the line will be the Strikeforce women's 135lbs belt, currently held by champion Marloes Coenen. Stepping in as a late replacement for grappler Meisha Tate is former U.S. Marine Liz Carmouche.
The fights will air on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 5th, 2011.
Main card predictions:
Feijao showed fantastic defensively wrestling against Muhammed Lawal, but we really don't have a firm sense of his takedown arsenal. Certainly obtaining top position is a good way to defeat Henderson. Yet failing to do so but tiring Henderson out would be suitable for a five-round fight like this. Feijao is a more complete striker, but as we saw with Mike Kyle and even a little against Lawal, Feijao is good attacking but can be defensively asleep at the wheel. That's costly against a fighter like Henderson. Neither fighter inspires confidence, but I have trouble envisioning Feijao stopping Henderson. I can't say that's true for the reverse. Henderson by TKO.
Marloes Coenen vs. Liz Carmouche
Carmouche is a fantastic athlete, patient, strong puncher and poised in pocket exchanges or perilous grappling exchanges. The problem is that she's still very green and while a good finisher, has more work to do to bring that aspect of her game to levels where she'll have them in a few years. Coenen isn't the physical bruiser Carmouche is, but she's got a ton of experience, is more well-rounded, can work through being pushed around and is a better finisher. I won't be surprised if there are some tense moments, but Coenen should retain her title here. Coenen by decision.
Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef
I just don't see a way Manhoef can win this. Kennedy is hard to hurt, is a phenomenally better wrestler, an excellent grappler with strong positional advancement and good finishing skills. He's also a better athlete than Manhoef. Short of getting bombed on in the first round, this is Kennedy's to lose. Kennedy by submission.
Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal
I respect Evangelista, but he isn’t the kind of dominant puncher who back Masdival up. He also isn’t the gritty clinch fighter or wrestler who can keep up with Masdival’s very underrated wrestling. He’s no slouch, but he doesn’t have much for Gamebred. Masvidal by TKO.
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