Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Predictions

Posted by Joshua Wood (Editor in Chief)

Feb 10

The time has finally arrived, the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix is here. It’s time to live up to the hype and kick of the eight man tournament with a great night of heavyweight action. Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva takes place live from the IZOD center in East Rutherford, New Jersey and the main card can be viewed on Showtime starting at 10pm ET/PT.

The first half of the quarterfinal round takes place Saturday with Fedor Emelianenko (32-2) takes on Antonio Silva (15-2) while Andrei Arlovski (15-8) facing off against Sergei Kharitonov (17-4). The rest of the main card consists of three heavyweight fights that have been designated grand prix reserve matches.

Besides moving on into the semi-finals of the tournament, each of the four fighters has something to prove in their respective bouts.

Arlovski is coming into this fight having lost three fights in a row and in serious danger of dropping off the heavyweight map entirely. I win over the very tough Kharitonov would show that he still has something left and that the sport hadn’t passed him by just yet.

Kharitonov is finally making his Strikeforce debut and is coming off an impressive knockout victory and Dynamite 2010. He has only fought once in the United States and even though he holds wins over fellow grand prix fighters, Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem, he is flying under the radar and will look to showcase his skills to the new audience.

Silva is coming into his fight on a two fight winning streak over Arlovski and Mike Kyle that were far from impressive. This will be his biggest and toughest fight to date for Silva and victory would be huge for him and justify his status in the heavyweight ranks.

Before Fedor lost to Werdum nearly eight months ago he hadn’t lost in over eight years and was 32-1 with 1 no contest overall. His first “real” career defeat shocked the MMA community and brought out onslaught of questions. On Saturday the quiet, even keeled “Last Emperor” will look to answer those questions inside the cage and quiet the skeptics.

Saturday’s main card is a rare televised card with only heavyweights and barring any of the big men gassing out the night should be exciting. Make sure to enter our Strikeforce grand prix bracket contest for a chance to win some cool prizes and below you’ll see how we think the main card will play out, ENJOY!

Main event:

Grand Prix Quarter Final Bout – 265 lbs.: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva – Fedor Emelianenko

Main card (Televised):

Grand Prix Quarter Final Bout – 265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov – Sergei Kharitonov
265 lbs.: Shane Del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson – Shane Del Rosario
265 lbs.: Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo – Valentijn Overeem
265 lbs.: Chad Griggs vs. Gian Villante – Chad Griggs