Strikeforce/M-1 ‘Fedor vs. Henderson’ Preview

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Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship
Marloes Coenen (19-4, 3-1 SF) vs. Miesha Tate (11-2, 3-1 SF)

The Matchup: Submissions whiz Coenen defends her strap against the wrestling-based Tate, whose relocation to Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, Calif., has her feeling confident she can exploit what Liz Carmouche started.

In Coenen’s last title defense on March 5, late-substitution Carmouche dominated readily before being submitted in the fourth round. To her credit, Coenen never panicked despite numerous bad situations and eventually found the submission to finish the fight.

It is not likely either fighter will be hurt standing, as both use their strikes to close the range. Tate may have a slight edge in punching, as she tends to put more together and use combinations more effectively. This is a fight that will be decided in the tie-ups, takedowns and on the ground. Scheduled for five rounds, the length of the fight favors the wrestler, and Tate will have to strike a balance between being busy and scoring points and not getting nailed by Coenen’s excellent submission game.

The Pick: Tate is well aware of the dangers and should do just enough to win rounds convincingly while steering clear of trouble. Coenen is exceptionally tough, however, and will be battling down the stretch in what should be a gas tank-testing battle for both women; Tate by split decision.

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