Saturday, April 11, 2009 – 7:00PM (PST) on Showtime.

It’s the post-Kimbo days, and Elite XC has gone bankrupt. Many of XC’s fighters were bought out by Strikefore, which is why we  have an upcoming card to look forward to.

Frank Shamrock vs. Nick Diaz – Both are former UFC fighters, but are now set to face each other in Strikeforce. This will be Frank’s first fight after being defeated by Cung Le. Shamrock is a smart fighter, and should be able to take advantage of Diaz’s weaknesses. Diaz is a versatile fighter, and always willing to throw down with anyone. But, that can be his downfall. Shamrock has KO power in both hands. Diaz has never been KOd, but this might be his first.
Shamrock by KO, Rd 3.

Josh Thompson vs. Gilbert Melendez – A rematch between the 2 light-weights. Thompson is a good all-around fighter, but master at none. Melendez has great wrestling skills, but his striking is decent. He also isn’t known for submissions. But, I see Melendez getting the takedown and taking this fight to the judges for the UD.
Melendez by UD.

Update: Thompson broke his leg during training on Apr. 1st. His replacement is a guy named Rodrigo Damm, whom i’ve never heard of before. His record does not look too impressive at 8-2. Melendez should run through Damm rather easily.
Melendez by RNC, 1st Round.

Melendez and Thompson in their first fight. Thompson won by UD.

Scott Smith vs. Benji Radach – Smith, also a former UFC fighter is set to face Radach. I don’t know much about Radach but his record is pretty good at 19-4. Smith’s weakness is that he does not take body shots too well. So, if Radach  wants to beat Smith decisively, throw a lot of body shots. It’s pretty much guaranteed that Smith will go down. He went down against Pete Sell and Robbie Lawler.
Radach by body shot, Round 1.

Hitomi Akano vs. Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos – A female MMA fight. I don’t know much about Akano, but Cyborg will be the next opponent for Gina Carano (wow, that rhymes!), if she wins this fight. Akano has a good record at 14-5. But, I don’t think she can beat Cyborg. Cyborg is very strong, and proficient in kickboxing.
Cyborg by TKO, Round 2.

Brett Rogers vs. Ron “Abongo” Humphrey – Don’t know much about these 2 fighters, except that they are both undefeated. Rogers has a better resume with his win against former Pride HW, James Thompson. I’ve seen one of Roger’s fight and he’s a strong guy. I see Rogers winning this by TKO, 1st round.
Rogers by TKO, Round 1.

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