Fedor vs. Werdum
The main event of Saturday’s Strikeforce card is a heavyweight contest between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum.
Emelianenko enters the fight as the favorite with a betting line of -750 with Werdum given a line of +525 according to online sports book Sportsbook.com. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this main event bout, which will take place from HP Pavillion in
Fedor Emelianenko (31-1)
Strengths: Fedor is considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and largely considered the greatest fighter in MMA history. He has never really been defeated as his one loss was due to an accidental cut. Fedor has a lot of power in his punches and has good boxing technique while also being very solid on the ground with his grappling and submission skills. He also seemingly has an iron chin as few have ever made him look beatable.
Weaknesses: As time has moved on, Fedor has looked a little less invincible with each fight. He was being out-struck by Andrei Arlovski before landing a big punch for a KO win and he struggled to beat Brett Rogers in his last bout despite Alistair Overeem quickly dispensing
Last Five Fights:
Second round TKO win over Brett Rogers at Strikeforce on Nov. 7, 2009
First round KO win over Andrei Arlovski at Affliction 2 on Jan. 24, 2009
First round submission win over Tim Sylvia at Affliction 1 on July 19, 2008
First round submission win over Hong Man Choi at Yarennoka on Dec. 31, 2007
First round submission win over Matt Lindland at Bodog Fight on April 14, 2007
Fabricio Werdum (13-4-1)
Strengths: Werdum is a very sound submission fighter that has seven wins by tap out and has never been submitted himself. His striking has improved, but it is not up to par with elite-level strikers. In this fight, Werdum may be able to control Fedor on the ground, but he has to get the fight to the ground first.
Weaknesses: Werdum has added weight the last few years, but it hasn’t been in muscle. He has lost a little of his conditioning with the weight gain and he has gotten a bit slower. For this fight, he will need speed and explosion to get Fedor to the ground and sink in a submission. The slower the pace and the more the fight is on its feet, the more it doesn’t favor Werdum.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision win over Antonio Silva at Strikeforce on Nov. 7, 2009
First round submission win over Mike Kyle at Strikeforce on Aug. 15, 2009
First round TKO loss to Junior dos
First round TKO win over Brandon Vera at UFC 85 on June 7, 2008
Second round TKO win over Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 80 on Jan. 19, 2008
Who will win: This fight should be all Fedor as his striking will be far superior to Werdum and their grappling ability is comparable. For someone to beat Fedor they will have to be a much larger fighter with good hands and good wrestling. Werdum doesn’t have that makeup. Look for Fedor to win in the first or second round by TKO.
Posted: 6/25/10 3:54PM ET