In the past two years, Strikeforce has done a tremendous job of gathering a group of talented young fighters in need of exposure and a bigger stage. Lightweight contender Justin Wilcox (11-3) has eagerly taken advantage of such circumstances as he faces Dream and Shooto veteran, JZ Cavalcante at Saturday’s Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum.
As a member of the American Kickboxing Academy, Wilcox is constantly improving fight to fight. Holding decision wins over veterans such as Daisuke Nakamura, Nova Uniao’s Vitor Riberio, and TUF-Alum Shamar Bailey has been a solid base for the notion that Wilcox is ready for stardom and the big stage. It was his last fight against Rodrigo Damm that proved Wilcox is a growing threat to his division; a brutal stoppage that came as a result of Justin’s relentlessness that left Rodrigo dazed and bloodied. Jumping kicks, flurries of punches and unwavering ground control showcased a collected, well-conditioned Wilcox as he smoothly battering an opponent who had a wealth of experience. A performance like that against Cavalcante is definitely an emphatical statement.
Teammates Josh Koscheck (with whom Wilcox wrestled with in college), Jon Fitch and Cain Velasquez are all highly regarded stars under the UFC banner, and that undoubtedly pushes Wilcox to work toward similar accolades. While it is harder to grab that buzz and attention over a smaller promotion, the pressure is less corrupting. Strikeforce currently holds the likes of Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum, Fedor Emelianenko, Nick Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Dan Henderson and a multitude of other elite fighters. The generation underneath them is hungry for the press, buzz and title fights. Wilcox is a frontrunner, with the developing skill set and athleticism necessary for fighting the best in his division.
On June 18th on the preliminary portion to a stellar card, which will air of HDNet, Justin Wilcox takes on his toughest opponent yet and whether he wins or loses, takes another step closer to his aspirations.
Photo courtesy of Strikeforce.com
