Strikeforce: Rockhold vs Kennedy

Date: Jul 14, 2012

Location: Portland, Oregon

Venue: Rose Garden

Broadcast: Showtime and Showtime Extreme

MAIN CARD (Showtime)

Champ Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Kennedy (for middleweight title)-

Kennedy will look to get this fight to the ground early and often however with Rockhold that is easier said than done. Even if Kennedy does get the fight into his world, Rockhold should have no problem getting back to his feet and avoiding any damage. Rockhold holds a substantial edge on the feet and should be able to pick Kennedy apart and frustrate him throughout the course of the fight.

Rockhold via Decision

Nate Marquardt vs. Tyron Woodley (for vacant welterweight title)-

Marquardt has had a problem facing good wrestlers throughout the course of his career. Woodley is quick and has excellent wrestling and should pose a big problem here for Marquardt. Also being off for 16 months might have a negative effect on Marquardt, Woodley should be able to earn a decisive decision victory.

Woodley via Decision

Roger Gracie vs. Keith Jardine-

Jardine has some pretty good takedown defense which will serve him well in this fight. If Gracie can get it there he could make short work of Jardine and he could be looking at the first submission loss of his career. I think Gracie will get him down early in the first and lock in a submission by late first round.

Gracie via sub round 1

Lorenz Larkin vs. Robbie Lawler-

When first looking at this fight I thought Larkin would be able to walk through Lawler, but after looking further into it I think Lawler will test his chin and eventually put him out in the 2nd round.

Lawler via KO round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (Showtime Extreme)

Jorge Masvidal vs. Justin Wilcox-

If this fight remains standing Masvidal has the power to make for big problems for Wilcox, Fortunately enough for Wilcox he is the stronger of the 2 competitors and will use his boxing to set up his takedowns en route to grinding out a decision victory.

Wilcox via Decision

Pat Healy vs. Mizuto Hirota-

Healy has looked good the past few years and has only really lost to the top guys in the division. Hirota on the other hand looked to be a beast in Japan until he got his arm snapped by Aoki. Since the broken arm he has won 2 fights by decision but has not looked like the beast that he was before that fight. This fight he will look to get back on track but Healy has the size advantage and more well rounded game to edge out a decision victory.

Healy via Decision

Jordan Mein vs. Tyler Stinson-

This fight should be exciting right from the start. Both fighters like to come out of the gate swinging and both have a very good chin. This fight can truly go either way but I see Mein winning a decision.

Mein via Decision

Jason High vs. Nate Moore-

Jason High will look to shoot in for the takedown early and often. He should have no problem getting the fight to the ground and using his relentless, fast paced ground and pound to wear Moore down en route to a decisive decision victory.

High via Decision

Ryan Couture vs. Joe Duarte-

Couture has looked better in every fight and this one should be no different. I see this one playing out with Duarte having a slight edge in the stand up before Couture takes it to the ground and grinds out a decision victory.

Couture via Decision