Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson Preview and Predictions
by Tim Groves on March 04, 2011

What a month to be a mixed martial arts fan. We get to witness four Bellator events, three UFC cards, the beginning of The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 and this Saturday's Strikeforce event in Columbus, Ohio. 

Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson features two title fights on the card. A light heavyweight scrap between Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Dan Henderson, as well as a women's welterweight title bout pitting champion Marloes Coenen and Liz Carmouche.

Let's take a look at what we are in store for Saturday night.

Billy Evangelista (11-0 1 NC) vs. Jorge Masvidal (20-6)

The opening fight on the card pits undefeated Billy Evangelista against the always dangerous Jorge Masvidal.

Evangelista has compiled most of his undefeated record against relative unknowns in the world of mixed martial arts,  but has recently began to face name competition. In his last two outings he bested both Jorge Gurgel and Waachiim Spiritwolf by way of decision. 

Evangelista is a striker first, second and third. He prefers to remain standing at all costs and has often employed his excellent takedown defense in order to keep the fight there. Evangelista isn't totally out of his element on the ground, but it's not where he wants the fight to take place.

Masvidal is coming off of a rather impressive decision loss to explosive welterweight Paul Daley this past September. Masvidal, a natural lightweight, ballooned up to 170 to take the fight with Daley and performed admirably. Many thought Masvidal was close to taking a shocking decision until a final takedown by Daley likely swayed the judges scorecards.

The Miami based fighter is a good enough boxer to hold his own with most lightweights. Masvidal has also exhibited strong takedowns and brutal ground n pound during his career. 

Look for a primarily stand-up affair, with some Masvidal takedowns sprinkled in for good measure. Both fighters have shown flashes of greatness during their career, but expect Masvidal to upset the unbeaten Evangelista with his sound boxing and explosive takedowns. Masvidal by decision.

Tim Kennedy (12-3) vs. Melvin Manhoef (24-8-1)

Tim Kennedy enters the bout off of a rousing, razor-thin decision loss to middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza. During the bout Kennedy showed some great takedown defense and solid boxing. On top of his tangible skills, Kennedy also exhibits phenomenal cardio and tremendous heart. He is constantly looking to push the pace and get in the face of his opponents.

Manhoef is one of the best strikers in all of mixed martial arts, and is the only man to knock out Mark Hunt in MMA competition. Considering Hunt has faced feared strikers such as Mirko Cro Cop, Wanderlei Silva, Fedor Emelianenko and Alistair Overeem, that says a lot.

Manhoef has power in his hands, kicks, elbows, knees and anything else he can land on his opponents. But his striking pedigree comes at a serious cost. Manhoef has yet to establish any sort of ground game, despite fighting in MMA since 1995. Once the fight hits the mat, Manhoef constantly looks like a fish out of water.

Kennedy isn't stupid, he knows what he needs to do. Kennedy is going to get Manhoef down as early as possible and work for submissions. I think he gets it. Kennedy via submission.

Marloes Coenen (18-4) vs. Liz Carmouche (5-0)

Marloes Coenen was originally slated to face surging Meisha Tate, but Tate was forced to withdraw from the bout...

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HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!