The second fight on the main card of Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum is Chad Griggs vs. Valentijn Overeem. This is a heavyweight bout, meaning both Griggs and Overeem are between 206lbs and 265lbs (weigh-in results here). This bout serves to establish alternates for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix should some of the tournament regulars be forced out to injury or other reasons. Valentijn is the brother of Grand Prix competitor and Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.
Strikforce Fight Card: Chad Griggs Vs. Valentijn Overeem
What are their stats?
Chad Griggs: 6'1", 234lbs
Valentijn Overeem: 6'3", 234lbs
How did they get here?
Griggs is an American brawler in almost the purest sense, although he does possess decent defensive wrestling, mat awareness and underscrambling. He holds notable wins over Bobby Lashley and Gian Villante, both of which came in Strikeforce.
Overeem is a long-time competitor, who is functionally well-rounded, strong, but lacks a gas tank, is seemingly shop worn and trying to make a late career resurgence. He holds notable wins over Randy Couture, Ray Sefo and Ian Freeman.
What are their ways to win?
Overeem might try to take this to the ground, but that’s a fool’s errand. I would be very surprised if this fight goes past the second round. Griggs fights with unbridled ferocity and Overeem is all too willing to slug it out standing. Both fighters are defensively porous, so being over analytical about their opportunities isn’t necessary. Suffice it to say, I suspect the first fighter to land a clean, hard shot will emerge the winner. Overeem’s ability to take punishment has been compromised, so look to Griggs to win the bout.
What’s at stake?
The riches bestowed upon the winner of this bout aren’t much, in that there is no guarantee a win moves the victor any closer to a slot in the tournament. Still, V. Overeem needs to regain some of the lost momentum of his career while Griggs needs as much experience as possible for tackling larger challenges.
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