STRIKEFORCE: Lawler vs Shields Preview

June 6, 2009 in St.Lous, Missouri at Scottrade Center


Robbie Lawlers vs Jake Shields

Robbie Lawler (16-4) is one of the best strikers in the middleweight division. Currently ranked #4 on Sherdogs Middleweight Rankings, Lawler is on a 5 fight win streak where he has finished each of his opponents with strikes.

For Lawler to win he must avoid Shields' take downs and finish the fight before his opponent can be successful in dragging him to the mat.

Jake Shields (22-4-1) is the last welterweight champion of EliteXC. He is currently riding a 11 win streak, finishing his last fights by submission.

For Shields to win he has to get the match on the ground. He has quick transitions which will let him get superior position in seconds so that he can finish the fight. He has to avoid staying in a stand up battle for long and really needs to time his take downs just right.

Prediction: Lawler by TKO
This is a hardcore grappler vs striker match up that could go either way depending on where the fight takes place. The edge goes to Lawler as his takedown defense should be able to buy him enough time to finish Shields who is willing to exchange on the feet.


Andrei Arlovski vs Brett Rogers

Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (15-6) looked great in his WAMMA Heavyweight Championship fight againist Fedor Emelianenko. He was winning the first round with brilliant striking until he made a fatal mistake and was finished by Emelianenko.

For Arlovski to win he just to avoid Rogers powerful strikes. Arlovski has great movement and brilliant boxing abilities. He should be able to dodge the heavy hands of Rogers while countering with some great strikes. If Rogers gets close Arlovski can easily clinch and use his Sambo skills to take him down.

Brett “The Grim” Rogers (9-0) is a powerful up and coming star. He has finished all his opponents with strikes but now he has a daunting challenge as he is fighting one of the top 10 heavyweights in the world.

For Rogers to win he just has to land one good punch on the chin of Arlovski. It may be a daunting task but if he can close the gap and avoid any clinch battles with Arlovski he can get that highleet reel knock out.

Prediction: Arlovski by KO
Arlovski boxing game is top notch. As long as Arlovski doesn't get cocky and decided to go for a flying knee or some suicidal finishing move he should be able to finish Rogers.


Nick Diaz vs Scott Smith

Nick “Bad Boy” Diaz (19-7) comes off a dominate win against MMA legend Frank Shamrock this passed April. He is a UFC veteran and has fought in many organizations around the globe.

For Diaz to win he has to make no costly mistakes. All the advantages belong to Diaz as he is a better striker and grappler than Smith. His boxing is technically sound but to make sure that Smith doesn't get lucky with one of those "hands of steel" he should try to get the match on the mat where he can definitely win against Smith either by submission or ground and pound.

Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (16-5) is a powerful brawler that seems to lack any grace. He was nearly finished in his last fight against Benji Radach but with some luck he was able to pull of some powerful strikes in the 3rd to knock out Radach.

For Smith to win he'll need improved movement to avoid the strikes of Diaz. He also has to avoid all take down attempts as he will be in a huge disadvantage on the mat. His best chance is to keep it standing and get close so he can force Diaz into a brawl and not a boxing match.

Prediction: Nick Diaz by TKO
Diaz is going to win this one on the ground. There is no doubt that he will either be successful with a take down or that one of his strikes will put Smith to the mat.


Phil Baroni vs Joe Riggs

Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni (13-10) is a former amateur boxer and kickboxer. He is currently riding a 3 fight win streak.

For Baroni to win he has to use his striking skills to score on the cards. He also has to avoid mat battles, which shouldn't be too hard considering Riggs isn't the grappling type.

Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) is a former WEC Middleweight Champion and contender for the UFC Welterweight title. His last match was in November 2008 where he defeated Luke Stewart by TKO in the 2nd round.

For Riggs to win he has to avoid gassing and take advanatage of any opportunity for a ground and pound.

Prediction: Riggs by TKO
I'll be honest I just want to see Phil Baroni get his ass kicked after I saw this picture of him;



Now tell me that guy doesn't deserve to get punched in the face a couple of times.


Kevin Randleman vs Mike Whitehead

Kevin “Monster” Randleman (17-12)

For Randleman to win

Mike Whitehead (23-7)

For Whitehead to win

Prediction:

.........................
This is going to be a great event. An oppurtunity