Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum Fight Card Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 13 June 2011 17:00

It’s time to preview the Strikeforce:  Overeem vs. Werdum fight card that is happening on June 18th.

The Strikeforce Heavyweight GP continues this weekend, and the headlining bout between Alistair Overeem (34-11) and Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) is one main event that you surely won’t want to miss.  Overeem is on a long winning streak after putting on a ton of muscle and moving to heavyweight, while Werdum is fresh off his upset of the world-ranked Fedor Emelianenko.  This will be a rematch of Werdum’s 2006 submission victory against Overeem, and the clash between Werdum’s world class submission game and Overeem’s dominant K1 striking pedigree is one you’ll want to tune-in to.

Although the main event will surely be the biggest draw, the heavyweight bout between Josh Barnett (29-5) and Brett Rogers (11-2) is just more reason to watch.  Rogers is coming off two straight losses to Emelianenko and Overeem (although he did rebound in an unspectacular decision victory), but will look to put his knockout power back in action against the well-rounded Barnett.  Barnett has been battling licensing issues and his recent competition leaves quite a bit to be desired, so the test against Rogers will let us know where the former top contender stands in the world of mixed martial arts.

Professional boxer K.J. Noons (10-3) will look to get back on the winning track against Jorge Masvidal (21-6) after losing in a title attempt against Nick Diaz last time out.  Masvidal came into the sport as a street fighter, but he’s honed his skills and is now considered an excellent boxer with well-rounded skills.  This fight appears likely to stay standing and should be exciting with both guys possessing excellent chins and heavy hands.

Other fights on the Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum fight card include heavyweight bouts between UFC veteran Jeff Monson and undefeated prospect Daniel Cormier, as well as Bobby Lashley-slayer Chad Griggs taking on Valentijn Overeem.  Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante and Justin Wilcox will do battle in a fight that might lead to the winner getting a shot at the title, while the always tough Conor Heun will take on submission specialist Magno Almeida.  Gina Carano was originally schedule to be on this card, but the bout was cancelled after the popular fighter was not cleared to participate due to unknown reasons.

Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum Fight Card

Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers

K.J. Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

Daniel Cormier vs. Jeff Monson

Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs

Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante vs. Justin Wilcox

Conor Heun vs. Magno Almeida

Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Joe Ray

Todd Moore vs. Mike Bronzoulis

Brian Melancon vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg