Strikeforce ‘Diaz vs. Cyborg’ Preview

Herschel Walker (top) | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: Despite all the controversy surrounding his entry into Strikeforce and whether or not his televised slot was deserved, Walker’s debut in January 2010 was impressive for a 47-year-old guy who had never fought before. Taking out Greg Nagy with third-round strikes, he showed a decent ability to pace himself, albeit in a largely one-sided bout.

Walker’s presence in Strikeforce represents the promotion’s answer to EliteXC’s usage of “Kimbo Slice.” When vying to be second banana, you have to throw some wrinkles into the mix. Loosely translated into the here-and-now, this means it is imperative that Strikeforce keep Walker in winnable fights that require something of a shell game before it cashes him out in a losing proposition against a name guy. It is good for ratings, and the promotion needs them.

Carson’s record is somewhat misleading. His first loss came via first-round technical knockout in June, after he had been retired for nearly 10 years. At 40, he feels he is being overlooked as the Walker hype train builds. Can a retired former fighter with a handful of matches overcome a transcendent but aging athlete? This is the kind of freak show that used to be a staple in Pride Fighting Championships, and it is somewhat interesting, if not eminently worthy of a slot in prime time.

The Pick: Go with Walker by second-round TKO.

Next Fight: Gracie vs. Prangley