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Strikeforce "Miami" MMA4Real Staff Predictions

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Rich Wyatt

- Diaz over Zaromskis by decision- I think Diaz keeps the fight at a favorable range for the most part, ties Zaromskis up and frustrates him enough to grind out a close, very competitive decision.
- Cris Santos over Marloes Coenen by TKO in the 2nd. Santos should be able to dictate where the fight is contested and her power, both striking and in grappling, will wear Coenen down.
- Melvin Manhoef over Robbie Lawler by TKO in the 2nd. Unless Robbie comes out with a submission here, I'm just not sure that he can get the "W". Manhoef is one dimensional, but that dimension is significant.
- Bobby Lashley over Wes Sims by TKO in the 1st. Lashley by whatever he wants.
- Herschel Walker over Greg Nagy by TKO in the 1st. I'm thinking that Walker likely won't really be tested too much in his first MMA outings. Should have enough physically, I'm guessing, to get by Nagy.
- Joe Riggs over Jay Hieron by decision.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Miami

Charles Walker

Nick Diaz vs. Marius Zaromskis (for vacant welterweight title)
- This should be an interesting fight.  For whatever reason, Nick wants to move back down in weight after showing he had plenty to offer at middleweight.  Why Strikeforce didn't switch Diaz in for Shields and let Shields battle the welterweights is beyond me but this will be a very telling fight.  It's almost hard to pick Diaz seeing as how he rarely showcases any head movement or defense in his striking and Zaromskis has shown to be an absolute killer on the feet.  I fear we may see another Nick Diaz/KJ Noons affair where most expect Diaz to win but we see him constantly dropped and dazed until the ref finally pulls his opponent off.  Hope I'm wrong but I have to go with Zaromskis via first round TKO.

Champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Marloes Coenen (for women's featherweight title)
- Should be another interesting bout but it's hard to go against Cyborg after her last few outings.  I can't see Coenen getting any takedowns, at least not before she gets hammered, so unfortunately that pretty face will be turned into mush before she has time to react and we'll see another Cyborg victory via stoppage, late 1st, early 2nd round.

Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef
- Don't blink because this one should be over quick.  Lawler likes to stand and we know that's Manhoef's bread and butter.  As we've seen throughout his career Lawler is really talented but can make mental errors when he shouldn't and I think this is the style fight that screams error for Lawler.  Look for Manhoef to buzzsaw Lawler and win a first round TKO.

Bobby Lashley vs. Wes Sims
- This fight is stupid and does nothing for Lashley and can anyone really take Sims serioius after TUF 10.  What will be more embarassing is if Sims actually puts up a fight after being steamrolled by the green Justin Wren duing the show.  Lashley should easily walk away with a ground and pound victory come first round but I still feel Lashley's a wild card and don't know if his head is fully into MMA.

Greg Nagy vs. Herschel Walker
- Don't know, don't really care.  It'll be somewhat cool to see Herschel since he was a major NFL star but other than that what can he really do in MMA other than have a few showcase fights and then get clobbered.  I'll just say I hope for Strikeforce's sake Walker wins.

Jay Hieron vs. Joe Riggs
- This fight will be extra boring and probably go all three rounds.  I like Hieron but he's not that exciting and Riggs is a few years past his prime (crazy because I'm older than him).  Hieron via decision or late third stoppage.

Kelvin Hunt

-Nick Diaz is incredibly tough and difficult to stop unless he gets cut.  I think his length/range will be a problem for Zaromskis.  Diaz will probably outpoint him for the unanimous decision win.

-Cyborg is huge and powerful but her gas tank is a little suspect.  I don't think Coenen wins a striking battle and I think Cyborg is versed in submission enough to avoid Coenen's attack there.  I think  either Cyborg gets Coenen out of there in the 1st round or wins a decision.

-Melvin Manhoef/Robbie Lawler-coin flip...I'm go with Manhoef

-Bobby Lashley via whatever

-Walker is set up to win this fight

-Jay Hieron will grind out another decision against Riggs...because Riggs can't stop a take down and has stamina issues.