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FIVE ROUNDS WITH STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS 16

When there is a weekend with three major MMA promotions all running events, you have to make one hell of an impression. Strikeforce did exactly that with Strikeforce Challengers 16, which saw plenty of great fighting action to get the weekend started. The event saw a legends son go down in defeat and a few MMA stars ready to move to bigger events very soon.

Round One: The Future Is Now

Caros Fodor is a fighter who has been on the verge of breaking through in Strikeforce in the past year and he may have finally done it. Caros Fodor notched an important victory when he defeated James Terry by unanimous decision on Friday Night. Caros Fodor did it by blocking many takedown attempts and dominating his opponent with intelligent striking. The only sad thing is that James Terry, another talented fight, has to wait a little longer for his big show call up.

Next Round For Caros Fodor: Justin Wilcox or Antwain Britt

Next Round For James Terry: Matt Ricehouse or Conor Heun

Round Two: The Son Of A Legend Falls

There is little doubt in my mind that Ryan Couture has a bright future in MMA, but the son of Randy Couture still has a lot of work to do. While Ryan Couture looked good in the fights opening round, people watching could tell that he was starting to fade in the final two rounds. Credit must be given to Matt Ricehouse for keeping the pressure on his opponent from opening bell to final bell. Matt Ricehouse has now defeated a “name” opponent and could find himself skyrocketing to bigger fights for that reason.

Next Round For Matt Ricehouse: James Terry or Sterling Ford

Next Round For Ryan Couture: Lesser Experienced Foes On Challengers

Round Three: Two Big Wins In A Row

Lorenz Larkin has only fought twice under the Strikeforce banner and he has two big victories already under his belt. He first defeated Scott Lighty at Strikeforce Challengers 15 and now he has defeated rising star Gian Villante at Strikeforce Challengers 16. This are two crucial victories and Lorenz Larkin could find himself getting called up to bigger events pretty soon. Pace was everything on Friday Night as Lorenz Larkin outworked Gian Villante on route to a unanimous decision victory.

Next Round For Lorenz Larkin: Mike Kyle or Keith Jardine

Next Round For Gian Villante: A Strikeforce Release

Round Four: A High Point To The Night

Jason High has fought in a lot of major MMA promotions from the UFC and all the way across the ocean to Japan for DREAM. So as an MMA fan, I was excited to see him fight at Strikeforce, although I felt that he should be put on the bigger cards right away. Jason High wound up putting a clinic of takedowns on Quinn Mulhern, who seemingly had no way to stop them. Jason High should quickly find himself on the bigger Strikeforce cards, because he is a very talented opposition for any fighter.

Next Round For Jason High: Roger Bowling/Bobby Voekler winner or Waachiim Spiritwolf

Next Round For Quinn Mulhern: Noh-Shon Burrell or Isaac Vallie-Flagg

Round Five: The Score Has Been Evened

Julia Budd had already suffered a defeat to Germain Da Randamie a while back at a kick boxing event they were both involved in. Revenge was on Julia Budd’s mind and that is exactly what she got when she outwrestled her for three rounds. Julia Budd now has an opportunity to rack up a few more victories before Strikeforce puts her up against “Cyborg.” Germain Da Randamie clearly is a talented fighter as well and hopefully Strikeforce keeps her on the roster.

Next Round For Julia Budd: A rubber match with Germain Da Randamie or Gina Carano (who she beat in a non-MMA contest a while back)

Next Round For Germaine Da Randamie: Amanda Nunes or Jan Finney

You can contact David Tees at bigteesps3@yahoo.com

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