After seeing Manhoef get clocked by that Japanese fighter, I'm not backing this fight as a shoe-in for him.
As a Lawler fan I can, sadly, also see this as a big possibility. As a Lawler fan I can, happily, see this as a real possibility as well. I really just hope that Robbie's bravado doesn't get the better of him and leads him into just a flat out slugfest because I don't think he stands much of a chance in that situation. On the other hand I don't want him to totally abondon his aggression because he has to keep Melvin honest by using at least the threat of his power, which is a huge threat.
Hieron vs. Riggs should have been on the main card, its a better matchup then the Lashley and Walker fights. Was hoping Lashley would have got a tougher opponent. MAIN CARD Nick Diaz vs. Marius Zaromskis (for vacant welterweight title) Champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Marloes Coenen (for women's featherweight title) Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef Jimmy Ambriz vs. Bobby Lashley* Greg Nagy vs. Herschel Walker PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired) Jay Hieron vs. Joe Riggs Pablo Alfonso vs. Marcos da Matta Michael Byrnes vs. David Zitnik Sabah Homasi vs. John Kelly David Gomez vs. Craig Oxley Hayder Hassan vs. Ryan Keenan * - Not officially announced. http://mmajunkie.com/event/677/strikeforce-in-florida.mma
WTF!! How is Hieron/Riggs not on the main card? This is the only thing i don't like about Strikeforce. They'll happily demote a fight between contenders to the undercard just to put on freakshow or showcase fights. Also I don't think Manhoef/Lawler is as clear cut as some people think. It is very possible that Manhoef gets KOed as well. That said I think Manhoef wins. Great fight. I like Diaz/Zaromskis too.
I think Lashly might still need an opponent,Ambriz was also ruled out. They better hurry only got 2 weeks.
Not surprised, I doubt he would want to cut down to 265, then offering the fight on late notice is pushing it. If you through Ambriz was a bad choice, the first guy they wanted to match Lashley up with couldn't even get approved.
Strikeforce need to sort it out with the late signings. Walker and Lashley didn't have opponents until last minute. Too many guys fall out too. Strikeforce should be promoting competative bouts not cannon fodder for their names.
Lashley will be fighting Wes Sims. http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/01/...es-sims-officially-booked-for-strikeforce-mi/
Lawler may not be as technically sound as Manhoef but he has dynamite in his hands. He could definitely KO Manhoef if he lands well.
Melvin Manhoef interview. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2010/01/manhoef-interview/1