When/if it happens...? Apologies if this has been done (not recently enough to be reasonably bumped, if so).
I took Shields by sub. I think Strikeforce has taken the right steps in building up Le but he just hasn't really been tested on the ground. His inexperience in that area spells trouble when stepping up against a ground game like Shields has. I think the matchup is so lopsided at this point I wouldn't even be interested in the fight. Shields has awful striking and it could be argued that Le can get to Shields and end it before it hits the ground. That could happen, but I think it's unlikely. Le loves to throw kicks and every one he throws is an opportunity for Shields to get this fight to the mat. Shields is experienced enough to be cautious in the standup and seize these opportunities to get the fight to the ground when he wants. I think the "x-factor" in this fight is Le using his wrestling to stuff the takedown attempts from Shields. Supposedly Le was a good wrestler in college (I think). The problem is that in Le's two biggest tests, Fryklund and Shamrock, neither guy even attempted to get Le to the ground so we don't really know the quality of Le's takedown defense and wrestling. We would likely see these skills on display against Shields, but it's tough using those against a top opponent like Shields right out of the gate when he really hasn't forced to apply and develop them against other quality guys. In time this could be a good fight, but I think Shields would be a massive favorite right now, at least in my eyes.
Provided Le gets the ring rust off and comes in ready to fight - I'll go with Cung Le via stoppage. He should be able to prevent Shields from taking him down and then kick him to death over the course of the fight. If Le is rusty I expect a Shields pwnage.
I presume you guys are talking about Cung Le? Nobody educated in grappling will tell you Cung is a slouch. watch his technique
