Here are my predictions for the Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier fight card set for May 19, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA:
Josh Barnett versus Daniel Cormier
The winner of the Strikeforce Grand Prix will be determined when these two meet inside the cage. Barnett is the more experienced MMA fighter, but I don't think it will help him much against Daniel. Cormier is the better wrestler, and he should be able to dictate the pace of the fight. Cormier wins by decision.
Gilbert Melendez versus Josh Thomson
The Strikeforce lightweight champion will defend his title once again, when the two meet on May 19. Thomson hasn't been particularly impressive in his last few outings, and I don't see things going much differently this time around. Melendez should be able to dominate the fight regardless of where it goes, and I expect him to walk away with another unanimous decision.
Rafael "Feijão" Cavalcante versus Mike Kyle
Cavalcante will try to move closer to the light-heavyweight title, when he faces Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier. Kyle won the first encounter between the two, knocking out Feijão in his Strikeforce debut. Kyle has been on a tear since then, losing only one of his next eight fights. Feijão has come a long way since then as well, but I don't think it'll be enough to get past Kyle. Kyle wins via TKO.
Nah-Shon Burrell versus Chris Spang
Burrell will try to move up Strikeforce's welterweight rankings when he faces Spang on Saturday. Spang suffered his first loss in his last outing, and he'll have his hands full against the 22 year old up and comer. I really like what I've seen from Burrell so far, and I expect him to rack up another victory.
Undercard:
Isaac Vallie-Flagg defeats Gesias Cavalcante
Carlos Augusto Filho defeats Virgil Zwicker
Gian Villante defeats Derrick Mehmen
Quinn Mulhern defeats Yuri Villefort
James Terry defeats Bobby Green
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions @davidkingwriter.
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