Strikeforce Evolution Preview: Cung Le vs. Scott Smith

Scott Smith is coming off one of the worst beatings of his career in a submission loss to Nick Diaz back at the Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields event.  It was a fight that continuously saw Diaz beat Smith to the punch with Smith offering very little offense in return.  Which could be a carbon copy of what will happen this weekend if Smith hasn't tightened up his game.  Smith is a brawler that hits hard and counts on his chin to hold up until he lands that one big shot to hurt his opponent before he moves in to finish them off.  Smith is coming into this fight with a career record of (16-6) with 13 wins via the KO/TKO variety.  He has only be knocked out twice in his career. 

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Evolution

Cung Le is coming into this fight after a very lengthy layoff do to making moves after the biggest win of his career against Frank Shamrock in March 2008.  Which means it'll be close to two years since Le has last fought in the cage.  Le comes into this fight undefeated with a career record of (6-0) with all of his wins coming via the KO/TKO variety.  Le is a dynamic striker with great kicks, counters, and sweeps to compliment his game.  He's also a world champion in San Shou with is essentially striking with take downs.

This fight will stay on the feet the entire time, and it's essentially why this fight is slated for the main event in my opinion.  Smith is pretty one dimensional in his approach using his hands mostly to do the damage, whereas Le will implement kicks and punches.  The long layoff from fighting could be a factor in this fight, but I still expect Le to be able to have his way with Smith and keep his streak of KO's/TKO's going.  What say you?