LowKick.com Strikeforce: Diaz vs Noons II Predictions

Nick Diaz vs KJ Noons (Strikeforce Welterweight Title Fight)
Top Prediction: Nick Diaz via Submission in Round 3

Bloodstain Lane: Tough fight stylistically for Nick,but I can't go against my boy and the 209. Diaz survives an early scare and outworks KJ and subs him in the 3rd.

Anton Gurevich: Somehow I would like to see KJ Noons winning this one, but Nick Diaz is simply a more well-rounded fighter. Diaz' grappling skills will play a huge part in this contest. 209 via Submission in R2

Daniel Cassidy: I'm a serious fan of Diaz, and I honestly consider him the best Welterweight on the world. That said, Noons has far superior stand up from his boxing days, and everybody loves a KO. If Diaz tries to stay standing, it could end up costing him his belt, but if he can get the fight to the ground, Noons is no match for him. I think following a tough first round, he will catch Noons in the second.  Diaz via R2 Sub

Joey Santosus: Its been nearly three years since their first encounter.  The difference will be who has made better use of that time.  While Diaz has improved considerably in all faucets of the game, Noons is still as one-dimensional as ever.  Nick Diaz via 3rd Rnd Submission.

HunterB: KJ Noons will dominate this fight standing; I see the outcome being very similar to the first fight. Noons via TKO in the 3rd round.



Marloes Coenen vs Sarah Kaufman (Strikeforce Womens Welterweight Title Fight)
Top Prediction: Sarah Kaufman via TKO in Round 5

Bloodstain Lane: I can't go against my Golden Glory love. Coenen is the NEW Champ after a 5 round Decision win.

Anton Gurevich: Just like Bloodstain, it's hard for me to predict against Marloes Coenen. I'm pretty confident Coenen win it via Submission in Round 3.

Daniel Cassidy: Daniel Cassidy: This is a tough fight for both. Coming off the back of that insane slam KO, Kaufman will look to excerpt her strength and power over Marloes, where as the Golden Glory fighter will aim to kick box her way to a world title, but is coming off a loss to Cyborg. If Coenen can keep her distance, she can pick the Champ apart before going in for the kill, but if Kaufman can keep the fight close, or in the clinch, she could take the decision.  Coenen via R3 TKO

Joey Santosus: Coenen's jiu-jitsu is nothing to scoff at, however she will have trouble securing any meaningful takedowns against the champ.  Expect Coenen to once again find herself overwhelmed by a superior striker.  Sarah Kaufman via 3rd Rnd TKO.

HunterB: Kaufman once again comes out in dominant fashion, winning the fight on the feet and on the ground. Kaufman via TKO in the 4th round.



Josh "Punk" Thomson vs JZ Calvacante
Top Prediction: Thomson via Decision

Bloodstain Lane: JZ at one point was a Top 5 LW. He gets back on track and wins a WAR against Josh Thompson. Decision win for JZ.

Anton Gurevich: It's a very tough fight to predict. But I'll bet on JZ via Decision.

Daniel Cassidy: Make no mistake; this fight will be a real barn burner. Both fighters have an eye on the title, with Thomson keen to reclaim his strap. Both fighters have only lost 3 fights in their career, and only Thomson has been stopped, and only once. Both fighters will look to close the distance and trade, but I think Calvacante is the more refined striker of the two, but I don't think one can stop the other.  JZ via Decision.

Joey Santosus: Cavalcante will undoubtedly find success within Strikeforce's lightweight division, however it won't start Saturday.  While I do not expect Thomson will be able to finish JZ, I do expect his top control and submission defense to score points with the judges.  Josh Thomson via Decision.

HunterB: Thomson will take this fight wherever he wants and once again, grind out another decision. Thomson via Decision.



Tyron Woodley vs Andre Galvao
Top Prediction: Andre Galvao via Submission in Round 3

Bloodstain Lane: Woodley takes him downs but gets caught sleeping at some point. Galvao 2nd round submission.

Anton Gurevich: Andre Galvao is the first real test for Tyron Woodley. To tell you the truth guys, I was not that impressed by Woodley in his last fight. Galvao is a better grappler, and will edge a decision in this one.

Daniel Cassidy: For me, Woodley is one of Strikeforce's biggest upcoming prospects. Currently 6-0, he makes his long overdue main card debut. This bout will open the card, and should set the tone nicely. While Woodley is known for tapping out opponents, he will face difficulty doing that to Galvao, a well decorated BJJ artist. Both fighters are well equipped on the ground, but don't be surprised if it stays standing, where Woodley will have his biggest advantage.  Woodley via R1 TKO.

Joey Santosus: Both are solid grapplers, though a slight edge has to go to Galvao.  However, what Woodley gives up in jiu-jitsu, he will make up for with strength and well-placed striking.  Tyron Woodley via Decision.

HunterB: Woodley is one of the top prospects in MMA today, and once again he will show why. Woodley via Decision.



Pictures: Esther Lin / AllElbows.com