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

---

Middleweights
Tim Kennedy (13-3, 4-1 SF) vs. Robbie Lawler (18-7, 1 NC, 2-3 SF)

The Matchup: Two of Strikeforce’s top 185-pound contenders collide in what could be a “Fight of the Night”-style matchup. If Kennedy and Lawler have a stylistic trait in common, it is that they like to dictate where a match goes and physically impose themselves on opponents. Both can be fairly tough to discourage in this regard.

Lawler possesses some of the most dangerous, one-shot striking power in the game and the gambler’s willingness to go big on the slightest openings. More of a grinder type, Kennedy lacks Lawler’s one-shot monster power, but his game has improved steadily in recent outings.

Both men have lost to splendid Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza; Lawler’s three-round submission loss to the Brazilian in January was a rare example of Lawler spending extensive time on his back in defensive mode. That is a position Lawler rarely sees, with his considerable explosiveness and upper-body strength. Kennedy’s best chance is to put him there and grind him down, mixing in shots while stuffing Lawler’s keen ability to bridge out and create scrambles to get up.

Obviously, in a standing match, this becomes Lawler’s fight. However, if Kennedy can close the gap and force tie-ups and exchanges in close, he can negate some of his foe’s speed and dangerous bombs. Kennedy learned a lot in his decision loss to Souza, namely that he has to use virtually everything available to win. This match comes down to a distance fight, which favors Lawler, and an in-close, grinding-style encounter with some groundwork, which is pretty much a scratch.

The Pick: Lawler by close decision in a tough fight.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley