Strikeforce ‘Barnett vs. Cormier’ Preview
The Prelims
Lightweights
Gesias Cavalcante (16-4-1, 1-1 SF) vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg (12-3-1, 1-0 SF): Although “JZ” has won just twice in his last seven outings, the Brazilian still represents the stiffest test of Vallie-Flagg’s career to date. Calvalcante has a wealth of experience from his days in Japan, is well-rounded and has never been knocked out or submitted. Vallie-Flagg’s best chance is to make this fight as ugly as possible, winning close-quarters exchanges and forcing “JZ” to fight from his back. The Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts product will make this closer than many might expect, but Cavalcante ekes out a narrow decision.
Light Heavyweights
Virgil Zwicker (10-2, 1-1 SF) vs. Carlos Augusto Filho (5-0, 0-0 SF): Zwicker, who fought as an undersized heavyweight in his first two Strikeforce bouts, tries his hand at 205 pounds against “Guto Inocente.” A former Shooto 220-pound titlist, Filho has knockout power and a decent submission game. Zwicker will not hesitate to engage, and he will pay the price, as the Imperial Athletics product wins via first-round TKO.
Light Heavyweights
Derrick Mehmen (12-4, 1-0 SF) vs. Gian Villante (9-3, 2-2 SF): Villante entered Strikeforce as a promising prospect, but consecutive losses to begin his career with the promotion slowed the hype somewhat. The former Ring of Combat champion has righted his ship, earning victories in his last two outings. Mehman displayed plenty of toughness in his last Strikeforce appearance, battling through a nasty cut above his left eye to take a unanimous decision against Roy Jones. Villante’s overall athleticism wins the day here, as the former Hofstra University football standout takes a unanimous decision.
Welterweights
Quinn Mulhern (17-2, 2-1 SF) vs. Yuri Villefort (6-0, 0-0 SF): Mulhern has displayed a savvy ground game in winning two straight fights since dropping his Strikeforce debut to Jason High. Villefort is the younger brother of UFC and WEC competitor Danillo Villefort. Given his solid jiu-jitsu background, he figures to have the skills needed to combat Mulhern on the ground. The biggest question facing Villefort is ring rust. Look for the 21-year-old to overcome his nearly two-year layoff and win a decision.
Related Articles
