Strikeforce 'Evolution' Preview

The Prelims

Scott Lighty vs. Antwain Britt

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Lighty, a prized light heavyweight prospect, looks to announce himself as a contender for Gegard Mousasi’s crown by dispatching Britt in the rudest fashion possible. Do not expect Britt to offer much resistance, as Lighty’s striking sets him apart from most any gatekeeper Strikeforce can put in front of him. A one-sided thrashing ends violently, as Lighty puts Britt down and out with a brain-melting right hand counter.

Daisuke Nakamura vs. Justin Wilcox

Entering this fight on a couple of days notice, Wilcox’s lack of proper preparation only makes his matchup with Nakamura all the more difficult. The only way Wilcox can win this fight will be to keep it standing, but he does not have the wrestling chops or range control to keep Nakamura from crowding him and scoring takedowns. Once Wilcox lands on his back, it will not be long before Nakamura breaks down his guard and hits a fight-ending far-side armbar.

Luis Mendoza vs. Juan Nunez

A pair of relatively unknown up-and-comers battles it out for some name recognition, when Mendoza and Nunez match wits and fists. Go with Nunez. He should be able to dictate the tempo of the bout with top control while Mendoza struggles to get his own offense going. An uneventful fight ends with Nunez taking a unanimous decision nod.

Alexander Trevino vs. Bobby Stack

Two of Strikeforce’s best young welterweights lock horns when Trevino and Stack put their title ambitions on the line against each other. While Trevino would love nothing more than to take down Stack, he will end up getting starched on the feet thanks to Stack’s slick striking and surprising takedown defense. A frustrated Trevino ends up trying his luck in exchanges and Stack responds by knocking him out in short order.

Alexander Crispim vs. AJ Fonseca

A lightweight tilt will open the undercard, as Brazilian up-and-comer Crispim meets Fonseca, who enters this bout the prohibitive favorite. As the far more experienced and versatile fighter, Fonseca should have little trouble outclassing Crispim anywhere this match goes. A finish will elude Fonseca, but that will not keep him from notching a dominant decision win.