LowKick.com Strikeforce: Feijao vs Henderson Predictions

Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs Dan Henderson
Top Prediction: Dan Henderson via TKO in Round 2

Joey Santosus: While three of Henderson's eight losses have come against members of Team Nogueira/Black House, I suspect his luck will turn around in this one.  Feijao's Muay Thai arsenal makes him the more dynamic striker, but his tendency to drop his hands will get him in trouble against a veteran like Hendo.  Dan Henderson via 2nd Rnd TKO/KO.

Anton Gurevich: Feijao is probably currently the most underrated fighter in Mixed Martial Arts. That’s exactly why the bout against Dan Henderson is a proving ground, where he will make a Top 5 Light Heavyweight statement. Feijao via TKO in the 3rd.

Daniel Cassidy: With Henderson's age, I really think the time is ripe for Feijao to cause a major upset. I'm a big fan of the Black House Fighter, and given his team mate Anderson Silva has fought Hendo already, I feel he will have the edge. In his last fight, he hit Mo so hard that Mo looked like Charlie Sheen after a 3 week bender. I think he'll use the same aggressive striking to finish Henderson. I'll take Cavalcante via R3 TKO/KO.

Ryan Ventura: Dan Henderson is a true living legend in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and he has a very tough challenge against the younger Rafael Feijao. Hendo wants to wear a third world title around his waist and Rafael wants to continue his run as champion. I'll never count out Hollywood Dan in a fight, but his reliance on his right hand could be his down fall. I don't think Feijao could finish Dan Henderson, but I believe he could do enough to keep the belt. Rafael "Feijao" Calvalcante by decision.



Marloes Coenen vs Liz Carmouche
Top Prediction: Coenen via TKO in Round 2

Joey Santosus: Carmouche has shown great potential in her short professional career, stringing together an impressive 5-0 mark in less than a year.  Her solid striking and physical approach should make her a tough opponent for Coenen, but the bottom line is that she took this fight on very short notice, against a well-rounded Champion.  Expect Carmouche to come out strong before a technical mistake gets her caught by a superior grappler. Marloes Coenen via 1st Rnd Submission.

Anton Gurevich: It’s Coenen’s fight to lose. Yes, Liz Carmouche is a talented fighter, but the Dutch “Rumina” has all the necessary skills to defend her title. Coenen via Submission in Round 2.

Daniel Cassidy: Rumina is coming into this fight hot on the heels of her biggest win, a comeback win against Sarah Kauffman for the Women135 lbs title. With her Golden Glory kickboxing and superior ground game, she's gonna make it a bad night for "Girl-Rilla" Carmouche. For me, Coenen has the advantage wherever the fight goes. I'll take Coenen via R1 Sub.

Ryan Ventura: I got to give credit where credit is due; Liz Carmouche has done quite well for herself despite having her first professional fight just last year. Also more props to her for taking this fight on short notice for an injured Miesha "Takedown" Tate. However, Marloes Coenen is no Jan Finney, and Coenen has what it takes to beat Carmouche in every aspect of the game. If the fight is on the feet, Marloes has the advantage, but she shines best on the ground. Marloes Coenen, first round submission.



Tim Kennedy vs Melvin Manhoef
Top Prediction: Kennedy via Submission in Round 1

Joey Santosus: It would be nice to see one of Manhoef's dramatic knockout victories here, and while its possible, its also unlikely.  You simply can't teach an old dog new tricks. Not that Manhoef has ever bothered trying to learn, but his ground game is nowhere near that of Kennedy's.  Unless Manhoef can find a home for one of his heavy hooks early, I expect Kennedy to drag him to the ground and force the tap.  Tim Kennedy via 1st Rnd Submission.

Anton Gurevich: Despite what many people say, I’m confident Tim Kennedy has what it takes to stand with Melvin Manhoef, wear him out, and take the fight to the ground at will. The Dutch veteran is too predictable, and has a very few tools to win this fight. I’ll pick Kennedy via a Rear Naked Choke in Round 2.

Daniel Cassidy: For me this fight is simple. If it stays standing, it's all Manhoef. If it goes to the matt, Melvin's lackluster ground game will be exploited once again. I think while taking a few heavy shots from the kickboxer, Kennedy will make it to the ground, where he taps out Manhoef. Tim Kennedy via R2 Submission.

Ryan Ventura: This fight is a truly perfect example of style vs. style. Tim Kennedy can strike, but is nowhere near the level of striking that Melvin Manhoef is capable of. However, it goes both ways and most of us know what Melvin lacks on the ground. If Tim can take this to the ground, there is no getting back up for Melvin. This isn't a Kickboxing match and if Tim is smart he won't try to turn it into one with Melvin Manhoef. Tim Kennedy, first round submission.



Jorge Masvidal vs Billy Evangelista
Top Prediction: Masvidal via Decision

Joey Santosus: This is a win-win situation for Strikeforce as they look to build a new contender in the Lightweight division.  Undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista is bumped up from the Challenger series to welcome Jorge Masvidal back to the promotion.  While Evangelista undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, Masvidal's physical approach and underrated grappling should give him the edge here.  And while a stoppage wouldn't surprise me, I'll take "Gambred" to outwork his less experienced opponent.  Jorge Masvidal via Decision.

Anton Gurevich: Masvidal’s experience will be a factor in this fight. Jorge is a huge Lightweight, who fought some of the top competition in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. I think the American Top Team product will edge this one via a Decision.

Daniel Cassidy: Very interesting and tough match up for both fighters. But despite a few recent losses, I think Masvidal will get it done. He's tough, durable, heavy handed, and could give his opponent serious problems. I'll take Masvidal via R2 TKO/KO.

Ryan Ventura: Billy Evangelista is undefeated for a reason and if he can ride out a victory like he usually does, he'll get the title shot he deserves. However, I believe that Jorge Masvidal being the more experienced and well-rounded fighter could take that opportunity away from Evangelista. Jorge Masvidal, first round TKO.



Pictures: Strikeforce / Showtime