Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal Odds, Favorites, Free Picks, Tips and Expert Predictions – Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal Free Bets from UFC/Strikeforce Vegas Handicapping Expert Eric Moore from the National Sports Advisors: Check out the Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal Betting Tips, Vegas Odds, Free Bets and Handicapping preview from expert UFC/Strikeforce handicapper/tipster Eric Moore below. If you are interested in betting on our Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal Odds and Predictions and want betting lines, than simply skip to the latest UFC Betting odds from Bodog.
Strikeforce Free Picks, Odds and Predictions
Lightweight Bout
KJ Noons vs. Billy Evangelista
KJ Noons (10-4) has only fight twice since October of 2010 and has lost both by unanimous decisions. Noons is a very high level boxer that utilizes odd angles and feints as well as anyone in MMA. He holds the distinction of being the last person to hand Nick Diaz a loss way back in 2007. He ran into problems against his last opponent Jorge Masvidal due to his varied attacks and ability to get Noons to the ground.
Starting off his career 9-0 Billy Evangelista (11-1, 1NC) first true loss came in his most recent bout with Jorge Masvidal. He does possess power in his hands ending eight fights by (T)KO. While he has looked solid in his last two bouts winning by unanimous decision he has also shown holes in his standup.
This bout is all about where it takes place. Noons (-240) will have a clear advantage in the standup with his slick in and out striking but he’ll have to keep it there. He has shown that he’s not very comfortable fighting off his back. Evangelista (+190) will have to land leg kicks early to slow the movements of Noons and then work takedowns if he wants to stay in this fight. In the end Noons is to fast and precise and finishes before the final bell.
Prediction – KJ Noons by way of TKO
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Light Heavyweight Bout
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux
Gegard Mousasi (31-3-2) is making his first return to Strikeforce since fighting to a draw with Keith Jardine. Mousasi is somewhat of a mystery showing flashes of greatness and then comes back and only earns a draw against a washed up Keith Jardine. When he’s on his game he has some of the most devastating kickboxing in MMA.
Taking a huge step up in competition in this fight is Ovince St. Preux (11-4). He has fought in Strikeforce five times and is a perfect 5-0. A former linebacker at the University of Tennessee St. Preux uses his superior athletic talent to blast through his opponents. While he still needs to improve at all levels in MMA this makes up for a lot of his shortcomings.
Mousasi (-300) has shown in previous fights that he can be beaten by wrestlers. Often times it has almost looked to easy to get him to the ground. This needs to be the backbone of St. Preux (+220) strategy, score takedowns to win rounds. If he can’t it will be a short night for him with Mousasi brutalizing his legs and body with kicks. If this makes it to later rounds the kicks of Mousasi will take their toll and tear down St. Preuz.
Prediction – Gegard Mousasi by way of unanimous decision
Strikeforce Free Picks, Odds and Predictions
Woman’s Featherweight Bout
Cris Cyborg vs. Hiroko Yamanaka
In the woman’s featherweight division there is Cris Cyborg (10-1) and then everyone else. Her only loss came in her first professional bout back in 2005 and since then has been running through the competition. Of her ten wins eight have come by (T)KO which includes a knockout in 35 seconds and a TKO victory over Gina Carano.
Hiroko Yamanaka (12-1) is making her Strikeforce debut riding an eight fight win streak. She is tall for the featherweight division standing 5’11’’. Not known as a finisher she has gone the distance eight times all ending in her favor. In bouts she’ll use her height and long reach to frustrate her opponents.
It will take nothing short of a miracle for Yamanaka (+750) to get her hand raised in this fight. Santos (-1200) is too strong and too aggressive at 145 pounds and she will impose her will early and often. With a Chute Box background don’t be surprised if this fight doesn’t get outside the first.
Prediction – Cris Cyborg by way of TKO
Strikeforce Free Picks, Odds and Predictions
Lightweight Championship Bout
Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (Champion) vs. Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (Challenger)
Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (19-2) has been fighting for or defending the lightweight belt since 2006. Eight times he has stepped into the cage with this purpose and has only lost one of the eight. Melendez is quick with his strikes and takedowns while utilizing a pace that is hard for his opponents to keep up with.
Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (22-6) earned his title shot with back to back unanimous decision victories over Billy Evangelista and KJ Noons. He is a very well-rounded fighter with a good blend of outside striking and dirty boxing within the clinch. In his fight with KJ Noons he was able to use his jab to set up takedowns and battered the highly respected fighter.
The question of this fight is whether Masvidal (+240) will be able to keep up with the frantic pace of this fight. He has standup that is conducive to set up takedowns but look for him to try to keep this fight standing. Melendez (-320) will do what he always does, come out fast and wear his opponent down. Look for Melendez to do just that and when Masvidal begins to fade he’ll look to finish.
Prediction – Gilbert “El Nino” Masvidal by way of submission
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