Sobral vs. Mousasi Odds
The Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line Saturday when Renato “Babalu” Sobral takes on Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi Saturday night.
This 205-pound championship fight is the co-headliner for the Strikeforce card that will air on Showtime on Saturday, Aug. 15 beginning at 10 p.m. ET.
The challenger Mousasi enters the fight as the favorite with a line of -240 compared to Sobral with a line of +190 according to online sports book SPORTSBETTING. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this championship bout.
Renato Sobral (35-8 MMA Record):
Strengths: Sobral established himself around the world before having a short stint in the UFC where he was at one time the No. 1 contender for the light heavyweight championship. Now, the Strikeforce champion, Sobral has won five-straight fights, using his submission fighting to earn wins. Sobral is best known for his ground game, but his stand up has improved, but is not at the elite level.
Weaknesses: Sobral has been susceptible to knockouts, having been KO’d by Chuck Liddell on two occasions as well as UFC journeyman Jason Lambert. Sobral has tried to trade punches at times, which have led to his biggest losses. If Sobral can maintain his game plan and stay composed, he has a strong chance to defend his title.
Last Five Fights:
Second round submission win over Sokoudjou at Affliction 2 on Jan. 24, 2009
First round TKO win over Bobby Southworth at Strikeforce: Destruction on Nov. 21, 2008
Unanimous decision win over Mike Whitehead at Affliction 1 on July 19, 2008
Third round submission win over Rodney Glunder at PFP: Ring of Fire on Dec. 9, 2007
Second round submission win over David Heath at UFC 74 on Aug. 25, 2007
Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1 MMA Record):
Strengths: Mousasi is a great stand up fighter that has quick hands and solid power. Currently on a 12-fight winning streak, Mousasi has five knockout wins during that span. While his punching is his strength, Mousasi has also shown submission ability, but only after wearing down his opponents on the feet first.
Weaknesses: Not a natural 205-pounder, Mousasi has bounced around from weight class to weight class over his career, fighting mostly at middleweight (185 pounds). Mousasi has the power, but will his quickness and agility be affected with the weight gain at 205. Also, how will his cardio be affected with the added size.
Last Five Fights:
First round submission win over Mark Hunt at Dream 9 on May 26, 2009
First round KO win over Ronaldo Souza at Dream 6 on Sept. 23, 2008
First round submission win over Melvin Manhoef at Dream 6 on Sept. 23, 2008
Unanimous decision win over Dong Sik Yoon at Dream 4 on June 15, 2008
First round submission win over Denis Kang at Dream 2 on April 29, 2008
Who will win: Sobral is a world class fighter, but Mousasi has been the busier fighter, racking up seven wins in the last 20 months alone. Mousasi has finished quickly, and can do so against Sobral if he keeps the fight on his feet. I see Mousasi succeeding at this and finishing off Sobral in the second round with a flurry of strikes.
Additional Line: Over/Under 7.5 minutes for fight length.
Strikeforce takes place from the HP Pavilion in
Posted: 8/13/09 9:40PM ET