Strikeforce ‘Miami’ Preview

Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef

The Breakdown: If Lawler values his motor functions, he will set aside pride and testosterone and take down Manhoef as fast as he possibly can. While Lawler’s history of violence is spectacular in its own right, Manhoef exists in a different striking universe. Getting into exchanges with the Dutch knockout artist will end poorly for Lawler and anyone else not named Anderson Silva.

All that stand-up talent has served Manhoef well considering his takedown defense and grappling remain the banes of his career. Unless Lawler obliges him on the feet, he will end up on the mat with one of the more underrated ground-and-pound artists in the game. As usual, Manhoef’s success depends greatly on his opponent’s game plan.

The X-Factor: Lawler is capable of taking down Manhoef. However, debate abounds about whether or not he will even try to do so or if he will resort to striking if Manhoef manages to stop his first few attempts. Staying disciplined in the heat of battle has never been Lawler’s strong suit, and discipline may be the only thing that can win him this fight.

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The Bottom Line: Trusting Lawler to forego standing and banging with a willing opponent has proven foolhardy in the past. This fight ends quickly and brutally, as Lawler never gets the chance to change gears thanks to a hellacious flurry of first-round punches from Manhoef.