Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will make his second title defense when he faces Tim Kennedy on July 14. The Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy fight card will be held at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. Here are my predictions for the entire fight card:
Luke Rockhold versus Tim Kennedy
Rockhold put on an impressive show in his last outing against Keith Jardine, knocking out the UFC veteran in the first round. Rockhold’s striking continues to improve with each fight, and he’ll have a significant reach advantage against Kennedy. He should be able to control where the fight takes place with his wrestling, and I expect another entertaining performance from the Strikeforce middleweight champion. Rockhold wins via TKO.
Tyron Woodley versus Nate Marquardt
Woodley might not be the most exciting fighter in MMA, but there is no question he can wrestle with the very best in the sport. Marquardt is a solid wrestler as well, but I don’t think it’ll be enough to stop “T-Wood.” Woodley wins by decision.
Roger Gracie versus Keith Jardine
Roger lost his last fight against Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, but he should be able to bounce right back against Jardine. Gracie’s BJJ should be too much for Jardine to handle, and he should emerge victorious if he doesn’t get caught by a big punch. Luckily for him, Jardine hasn’t knocked out anyone in quite some time. Gracie wins via submission.
Lorenz Larkin versus Robbie Lawler
Larkin has put together an impressive 12-0 (1NC) record, but I’m not sure he’ll be able to handle a well-rounded fighter like Lawler. “Ruthless” has more than enough power to put Larkin to sleep, and he should be able to outwrestle “The Monsoon” as well. Lawler wins via KO.
Undercard:
Pat Healy defeats Mizuto Hirota
Jorge Masvidal defeats Justin Wilcox
Jordan Mein defeats Tyler Stinson
Jason High defeats Nate Moore
Ryan Couture defeats Joe Duarte
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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