Strikeforce Picks and Predictions
SAN DIEGO, CA (TheSpread) – Two Strikeforce championships are up for grabs tonight and here are my picks for which fighters will walk out victorious.
Strikeforce takes place this Saturday night and the main card will air live on Showtime at 10PM ET. This card has four featured bouts with two title fights. Here are my thoughts on each of the main card bouts.
Strikeforce Welterweight Championship: Nick Diaz (-225) vs. Paul Daley (+185): My pick for this contest is with the champion as he has more of a complete package than the challenger. Diaz can strike, as he has a long reach and uses a stiff jab. Diaz can wrestle, and Diaz can submit guys on the ground. We have seen in the past that Daley is an all-or-nothing striker. He struggles to get off his back when taken down and he can’t defend against a top-level submission fighter like Diaz. My pick is with Diaz to win by submission in the second round. FREE PICK: Nick Diaz -225
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship: Gilbert Melendez (-265) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (+205): I like the champion here again as Kawajiri is fighting in the U.S. for the first time and fighting inside a cage for the first time. He has yet to train in a cage, which could be a factor. I think Melendez will have the faster hands and be able to pick apart Kawajiri to earn a decision victory. FREE PICK: Gilbert Melendez -265
Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Bout: Gegard Mousasi (-600) vs. Keith Jardine (+400): This is an interesting fight as Jardine is a tougher opponent than Mike Kyle, who Mousasi was originally scheduled to face. Both men will look to utilize their striking, but I think Mousasi has the edge. Jardine may have his conditioning affected by the short notice. I don’t think the odds should be as great as they are, but I still give Mousasi the edge. FREE PICK: Gegard Mousasi -600.
Strikeforce Lightweight Bout: Shinya Aoki (-250) vs. Lyle Beerbohm (+190): Aoki is a great submission fighter that has some devastating leglocks and armbars. Beehbohm has some solid skills as well, but Aoki has the experience and talent edge on his opponent. I think Beerbohm will look to be a game fighter, but once the fight hits the ground, I look for Aoki to lock up one of his submissions and get the quick victory. FREE PICK: Shinya Aoki (-250).
Bet on Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley Odds
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