LowKick.com Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson Staff Predictions

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Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson
Top Predictions: Fedor via TKO in Round 2

Anton Gurevich: It’s hard to pick against someone like Fedor Emelianenko. The Last Emperor is still one of the best Mixed Martial Artists on the planet, and has a chance to beat every opponent on every given day. Plus, Fedor looks in tremendous shape. Re-motivated and ready for comeback only a fighter of his caliber is capable of pulling off. My Pick is Fedor via TKO in Round 2.

Ryan Ventura: This will be in my opinion one of the hardest fights to predict in recent memory. Fedor has striked it out with K-1caliber strikers like Mirko Cro Cop in his prime and has dealt with some of the best wrestlers this sport has ever seen. A combination of his experience, tool set, and size will make it very difficult for Hendo to land a clean H-Bomb right hand. I can see this going to the ground and the legend of the Last Emperor will have to die another day. Fedor Emelianenko by 2nd round submission.

Joey Santosus: The irresistible force meets the immovable object - Both fighters are experienced, durable, and nearly impossible to finish. The most obvious difference here, however, is size. While the extra weight will likely favor Fedor early on, I expect it to shift from an advantage to a hindrance as the bout progresses. Dan Henderson via Decision.

Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate
Top Predictions: Coenen via Submission in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: Coenen is probably the best female grappler on the planet. And while Miesha Tate’s main strength is wrestling, I feel like “Rumina” has more tools to win this fight. And of course on the feet, I would give a clear advantage to the Team Golden Glory product. Coenen via Submission in Round 3.

Ryan Ventura: I believe Marloes is a much more well-rounded fighter, but I’m not sleeping on Miesha Tate. She strong and scrappy, but if she’s not careful she can be picked apart by Golden Glory striking or get submitted by Coenen’s dangerous Jiu-Jitsu game. But I could see Coenen being taken down numerous times in the fight. With the most likely situation in my mind Tate could get reckless fighting in guard and will get submitted in the 3rd round.

Joey Santosus: Tate will likely look to follow the blueprint outlined by Liz Carmouce in March. However, if we learned anything about Coenen in that bout, it's that she has the heart of a Champion and as good a guard as any. With that said, I expect Tate to succeed in emulating Carmouche's gameplan - just a bit more closely than she intended. Marloes Coenen via 4th Rnd Submission.

Robbie Lawler vs. Tim Kennedy
Top Predictions: Kennedy via Decision

Anton Gurevich: Very interesting fight. Both are great fighters, but just like in Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate, I feel like Tim Kennedy is a more well-rounded fighter than Robbie Lawler. I would pick Kennedy to win via Decision.

Ryan Ventura: Robbie is very dangerous with his hands but even though he has good takedown defence in his arsenal, he has a well-known history of being in trouble against good grapplers. Tim Kennedy is the total package; he has all the skills needed to be an MMA fighter. I think he’ll be able to handle Robbie’s heavy fists, grind it out a few rounds, and submit the Ruthless one in three rounds.

Joey Santosus: A quick glance at Lawler's resume tells the story here: Of his 18 wins, 15 have come via some form of knockout, whereas 5 of his 7 losses have come by way of submission. If Kennedy can successfully avoid Lawler's power, close the distance and drag the fight to the ground whenever possible, the "W" is his for the taking. Tim Kennedy via 2nd Rnd Submission.

Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley
Top Predictions: Semtex via TKO in Round 1

Anton Gurevich: It’s a very tough fight to predict. If Paul Daley manages to stop Tyron Woodley’s takedowns, he’ll be able to control the fight and win via Decision or TKO/KO. If not, Woodley has a very good chance to submit “Semtex”. This way or another, I believe in Paul Daley’s abilities, and would pick him to win via TKO in Round 2.

Ryan Ventura: Semtex is one of the best strikers in all of MMA in my opinion. Get hit by a heavy punch of his and its promised you will go to sleep. Tyron Woodley on the other hand is a Division I NCAA wrestler and has a very respectable ground game. Daley has had a lot of trouble with wrestlers and I think Saturday won’t be any different. Daley can’t knock a man out when he’s laying on his back for three rounds. I’m picking T-Wood by decision.

Joey Santosus: Daley's enormous power has proven to be as much a liability as it is an asset. With hands that can swing a fight into his favor on a moments notice, it's likely hard to focus on any gameplan other than sprawl n' brawl. And while it's a tried and true method, without the sprawl, there can be no brawl. Tyron Woodley via Decision.

Scott Smith vs. Tarec Saffiedine
Top Predictions: Smith via TKO in Round 1

Anton Gurevich: Scott Smith is a great fighter with a heart of a true warrior, but Team Quest’s Tarec Saffiedine is simply a bad match-up for the “Hands of Steel”. Saffiedine is good enough on his feet to defend against Smith’s striking, and has the necessary abilities to bring this fight into his comfort zone on the ground. I expect the Belgique fighter to finish this contest via Submission in Round 3.

Ryan Ventura: Scott Smith has been in many memorable and entertaining battles, but he has laid face first on the canvas on numerous occasions. Tarec not only is a much more accomplished grappler, he has shown some legit skills on his feet. I think Saffiedine will showcase not only more technical striking, but a better grapping game. Saffiedine by 2nd round submission.

Joey Santosus: Whether on the winning or losing end, Scott Smith is an exciting fighter who has given fans a number of memorable match-ups throughout his career. And while I am not quite ready to write him, nor his "hands of steel", off completely, I like the younger, more well-rounded Tarec Saffiedine to take the nod on the judge's scorecards. Tarec Saffiedine via Decision.