Unanimous Decision: Frank Mir, JDS, Velasquez, and Antonio Silva pick Daniel Cormier to defeat Josh Barnett

Daniel Cormier and Josh Barnett will meet tonight at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, with sights on becoming the first (and probably the last) Strikeforce Heavyweight GP winner.

First round of the tournament took place back in February, 2011, when Antonio Siva hammered "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko, and Sergei Kharitonov knocked out Andrei Arlovski. Strikeforce Heavyweight GP was a promising project that reminded fans of PRIDE FC, and their famous Grand-prix format.

UFC 146 participants shared their predictions ahead of tonight's main event clash between Josh Barnett and Daniel cormier, unanimously picking "DC" to defeat "The Warmaster". The winner of tonight's fight could find himself in pole position for a shot at the UFC Heavyweight title, which will be on the line next weekend, when the reigning champion Junior dos Santos steps inside the Octagon to face Frank Mir.

Here are the predictions (official Strikeforce Press Release):

Junior dos Santos, reigning UFC heavyweight champion, said: “They are both great fighters and this is a fight that could end very quickly for each guy. But Cormier is more explosive and has the better chances to end this early. It could be very exciting, but I think Cormier wins.”

Frank Mir, two-time UFC heavyweight champion, said: “I think Cormier takes this. I can’t see Barnett getting him to the ground, his wrestling is too strong. And on the feet I think Cormier has the power to end things. But with two top heavyweights, anything can happen. That’s why this division is so exciting - anyone who is world class can beat anyone else with one punch. You can’t say that about the lighter weight classes and that’s why heavyweight fights are so cool to watch.”

Cain Velasquez, former UFC heavyweight champion said: “I pick Daniel Cormier. Number one, because I train with him but also because he’s so hungry in this sport, I don’t think he will be denied. He was really raw when he came into our gym the first time a couple of years ago but he picked up everything a lot faster than most. He has dangerous strikes and I can’t see Josh getting him to the ground. Daniel’s wrestling is too good; I think he takes this fight and makes a statement about his future in the division.”

Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, who reached the Grand Prix semi-final stage before losing to Cormier, also picked his old rival for the win, saying: “I think Cormier will win this fight and be the Grand Prix Champion. I was very surprised by him in our fight. I think he is too strong, too powerful in this fight. He punches very hard and his wrestling is very good. I think he will win inside the distance unless Josh Barnett gets this to the ground quickly.”