With its champion Dan Henderson in limbo, it's anyone's guess at what Strikeforce's light heavyweight division will look like at the end of the year.
The picture should clear up a bit more tomorrow night as several 205-pound contenders square off in Cincinnati on the undercard of the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix semifinals. It's imperative that Mo Lawal and Rafael Cavalcante avoid upsets to stay in the mix.
"King Mo" Lawal takes on upstart MMA newcomer in Roger Gracie. Yes, he's from the famed Gracie family, and to no one's surprise he has a brilliant submission game. Gracie also has just four MMA fights under his belt. King Mo (7-1) doesn't have much more experience in terms of fights, but his toolbox is full of more weapons.
In an excellent Strikeforce preview, USA Today built a strong case for Lawal:
CASE FOR LAWAL -- Other than jiu-jitsu, superior to Gracie in every way. Has showcased his strength with knockout punches and high-impact slams. Superb wrestling gives him the ability to take down virtually anyone he faces. Adept at avoiding submissions and staying in good positions.
Lawal has been wise in bouncing around the country from camp to camp. He got high marks from the folks at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Ca.
Cagewriter's Maggie Hendricks did a great profile on Cavalcante's opponent Yoel Romero Palacio. The 34-year-old Cuban is just 4-0 in MMA and yet "Feijao" is a small favorite at minus-135. That tells you a lot about former Olympic silver medal wrestler's potential.
"I know he's a very good wrestler. He's an elite wrestler. I don't know why, I always fight with wrestlers, man," Cavalcante told MMAFighting. "I keep my game plan, I'm training a lot with my conditioning coach, with my training partners. I don't care if it's his first fight in Strikeforce or not. I always train for the worst thing. I train with the best in the world. In MMA it's like *snaps* that, you know? I never underestimate anyone."
That said, Feijao (10-3) can't afford to lose the fight. Feijao dealt with King Mo's wrestler just fine. His heavy hands and massive size should be able to get him by Romero Palacio.
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