Strikeforce Challengers 17 Preview

Ovince St. Preux (top) is likely to take the next step following his bout with Joe Cason. | Photo: Dave Mandel

The Matchup: OSP is a rising talent and probably a win away from permanently ascending from the Challengers show-level. Gifted with excellent physical tools and accurate striking, he is equal parts inspiring and somewhat raw, with major upside. Featuring solid standup and a developing sense of what to do in the transitional phases of MMA, St. Preux could become a contender in Strikeforce’s light heavyweight division if his gas tank proves as hearty as the rest of his tools.

Cason has faced a woeful level of competition. Most of his opponents did not have a single win at the time he fought them, and many still do not have a victory under their belt. The fact that one’s signature win involves taking out Sean Salmon is not necessarily a negative, except when Salmon has more wins than the rest of the other eight opponents combined. Cason is a quick worker, finishing all but one of his nine mostly hapless foes inside one round.

Cason obviously has a deft and capable manager, but this represents a huge step up for him. There is always the chance that he is, indeed, a gifted wrecking machine destined for big things. However, the combination of the big-show debut and having only fought past a minute in one-third of his bouts makes for one hell of a challenge against a far more seasoned guy.

The Pick: OSP should be able to stymie his early assault, score a knockdown with a power shot and take him out in the second round -- after Cason gasses.

Next Fight: Carlos Augusto “Guto” Inocente Filho vs. Lionel Lanham