A battle of undefeated prospects matches Finney (3-0) and Baumgartner, and while both have been impressive, the latter may be the top prospect on the Strikeforce roster. Look for Baumgartner (5-0) to overwhelm Finney with his superior wrestling and ground savvy, leading to a lopsided ground-and-pound drubbing. Keep an eye on Baumgartner, as it looks like Strikeforce has found itself a long-term project.
Tyron Woodley vs. Sal Woods
Another of Strikeforce’s big-ticket prospects is slated for his next challenge, as Woodley (2-0), a collegiate All-American wrestler, takes on Woods. While the experience favors Woods (2-4), everything else favors Woodley, who has shown a dominating wrestling game and the aggression to make it work for him. Woods doesn’t have any answer for Woodley’s repeated takedowns and will eventually get pounded out by strikes late in the fight.
Scott Ventimiglia vs. Lucas Lopes
Two journeymen lock horns in this one, as Ventimiglia (12-5-1) looks to carve out a place for himself at Lopes’ expense. Although neither fighter has distinguished himself much, Ventimiglia has always been a solid competitor who fails against next level competition. Lopes (9-8), meanwhile, is basically a glorified gatekeeper. Watch for Ventimiglia’s more versatile and fundamentally sound game to give him the edge he needs to notch a decision.
Pat Benson vs. Dave Lehr Cochran
The Mendoza line in MMA stands at .500. Here are two fighters trying to get that much closer to clearing it, as both Benson (3-5-1) and Cochran find themselves in desperate need of a win. The advantage goes to Cochran (16-19), the far more experienced and savvy fighter. Benson has a bad habit of making fight-ending mistakes, and that will serve as the final tipping point, as Cochran guts out a spirited decision win over his inexperienced quarry.
Booker DeRousse vs. James Wade
Another win-or-go-home bout rounds out the undercard, with DeRousse matching wits and fists with Wade (0-0). The latter has been in the game longer, but DeRousse (1-1) has the upside and talent to make up the difference. Wade’s middling game won’t be enough to overcome DeRousse’s brute physicality and striking ability, as he will turn this into his own coming out party.
Note: A matchup between Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Mike Kyle was added to the prelims on Tuesday.