Now that 2011 is already halfway through, multiple websites and even the UFC have released their fair share of “Best of the Half-Year” awards. I recently got in on the fun as well, but recently an additional thought hit me: there’s a lot of good fights heading our way! So since I’ve already looked back on the best moments of 2011, I think it’d be great to take a look forward at what will probably be some of the defining moments of the rest of the year. So here we go: these are my top five most-anticipated fights for the rest of 2011. ...

Strikeforce’s “Overeem vs. Werdum” event has so far received some very diverse reactions. Many people argue over how the main event between Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum went down, with many agreeing that it was a bad fight that proved relatively little for both fighters. But this wasn’t a one-fight show, and we did see several entertaining finishes. But which stars shined brightest, and what moments will fans be talking about in the following weeks? Here’s my take on the matter: my top 5 best moments of Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum” was an interesting event dominated almost completely by Heavyweight fighters. We saw some good fights, some interesting finishes, and a main event that honestly fell far short of expectations. Now once again it’s time to ask: what’s next? What does the future hold now that the Quarterfinals of the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix are over? Here’s my answer to just that: a new edition of my “What’s Next for the Winners and Losers” series of articles, now featuring Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

After a month-long hiatus, upstart promotion turned Zuffa-owned Strikeforce returned last night with its “Overeem vs. Werdum” event. In a night that saw many interesting fights, fans got to see big submissions, tough three-round wars, and a very bizarre performance in the main event. Here are the full results as well as some early commentary on Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Today, June 18, 2011, Strikeforce will hold its highly-anticipated “Overeem vs. Werdum” event, featuring the final two match-ups of the opening round of Strikeforce’s World Heavyweight Grand Prix. Also, the card features hot prospects like Daniel Cormier, grizzled veterans like Jeff Monson, and former title challengers like KJ Noons. Still, some fans may be asking themselves: what are the best reasons to check out this card? Here’s my answer to just that: 5 reasons to watch “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

We’re now only a few days away from Strikeforce's “Overeem vs. Werdum” event. In the main event, Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem will step into the cage against Fabricio Werdum. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett takes on Brett Rogers. As is customary, here is my official “picks and predictions” post (covering who I think will win and why), now featuring Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to the latest edition of “Crash Course”. “Crash Course” is a series of articles designed to give readers a quick rundown on all the relevant information they need to know heading into an upcoming major MMA event. Everything from why you should watch, what you should expect in the co-main and main event, and even where and when you can find it on TV is all covered in detail. So let’s get right to it with today’s edition, featuring Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends, it’s now time for the finale of my latest entry into the “A Closer Look” series of articles. For the last several days I’ve taken a very in-depth look at Strikeforce’s upcoming “Overeem vs. Werdum” event, going fight-by-fight and giving fans a look into the histories of both fighters, and also who I think will win and why. With four entries already done, we’re left now with only the main event: the final quarterfinal bout in Strikeforce’s World Heavyweight Grand Prix. It’s Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum, and this is the finale of “A Closer Look At Strikeforce ‘Overeem vs. Werdum’.” Let’s get to it. ...

Hello again fans and friends and welcome back for part 2 of my latest entry into the “5 Reasons Why” series of articles. Today’s pair of posts focuses on the upcoming showdown between Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum. For five reasons why Overeem could beat Werdum, please click here. Now it’s time for the opposite: here are five reasons why Fabricio Werdum could beat Alistair Overeem. ...

On June 18, 2011, Strikeforce kicks off the second half of the opening round of their World Heavyweight Grand Prix with a packed card highlighted by Alistair Overeem fighting Fabricio Werdum. Overeem is the current Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, as well as a champion in the K-1 kickboxing promotion and the Japanese MMA promotion known as DREAM. I personally consider Overeem the favorite to win not only this match, but the entire tournament. And why is that? Let’s discuss just that with a new entry into my “5 Reasons Why” series of articles. First up: five reasons why Alistair Overeem could beat Fabricio Werdum. ...

And now, fans and friends, it’s time for the second half of my traditional two-part “start of month” posts. After previewing the major cards set to go down this month, it’s now time for me to give my thoughts on what my favorite fights will be. June is a huge month for MMA: at one point, there’s going to be three different events from three different companies in three days. It doesn’t get much more crazier than that. So with all the can’t-miss events heading our way, what are the absolutely-can’t-miss fights? Here’s what I think. ...

It's no secret that Fabricio Werdum has had a relationship with the UFC in the past. In fact, after Werdum's PRIDE days were over once the organization had been purchased by the UFC, he eventually made his way to the Zuffa owned promotion in April of 2007, however succumbed to a lackluster decision defeat to former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski at UFC 70 upon his entry. Afterwards, the Brazilian would go on to compile an overall record of 2-2, with wins over Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera later besmirched by a devastating knockout loss to current top contender Junior dos Santos. After the loss, the two parties couldn't come to terms on a new deal, and Werdum made his own elsewhere, and found his way to Strikeforce. However, now with the acquisition of the San Jose based promotion, Werdum has now become one of the top prizes of the organization. ...

While Fabricio Werdum is training for arguably his toughest challenge to date as he takes on current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem in a non-title match-up in the quarter-finals of the organization's coveted heavyweight Grand Prix, the submission specialist still was able to offer up his opinion for an equally important fight. Werdum, who shocked the mixed martial arts world last year with a 69-second submission win over the seemingly unbeatable Fedor Emelianenko, has invested interest in the upcoming title fight between champ Nick Diaz as he defends his title for the second time against veteran Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos. And while the Brazilian has long lauded Diaz as one of his favorite fighters to watch, he's going with the home team in picking Santos for the upset. ...

On the cusp of one the most important fight of his career, a rematch with current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum has the upper hand that most fighters cannot proclaim heading into the illustrious Grand Prix, which for the submission specialist begins in March. Among Werdum and Alistair, Antonio Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Sergei Kharitonov, Brett Rogers, Josh Barnett, and Andrei Arlovski are among the competitors in the upcoming tournament, three of which Fabricio has beaten in recent competition. And for trainer Rafael Cordeiro, he believes that Werdum can shock the world once again, much like what the Brazilian did when he submitted the seemingly unbeatable Fedor Emelianenko last April. ...

Hello once again fans and friends and welcome to the epilogue of "Heavy Wait: The Hunt for strikeforce Gold". Heavy Wait was a fourteen-part "Maxi-Series" designed to take an ultra-in-depth look at the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, featuring eight of the best talents Strikeforce has to offer and eight of the best Heavyweight MMA fighters in the world. Due to its sheer length and scope, I'm adding this special epilogue in order to compile all the pieces for any readers that missed a post, or for any new readers who wanted one convenient place to absorb all fourteen articles. So this unofficial entry into the "maxi-series" will do just that, as well as provide a few extra thoughts as a bit of a bonus. Let's get to it. ...

There was a lot of talk as the the format of the new Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix, and how it would all unfold. Alistair Overeem, the Strikeforce heavyweight champion, through a monkey wrench into the whole scheme of things when he proclaimed that he would also like to participate in the tournament which features a who's who of mixed martial arts talent: Fedor Emelianenko, Sergei Kharitonov, Andrei Arlovski, Brett Rogers, Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva and Overeem's next opponent, Fabricio Werdum. While Scott Coker, the CEO of the San Jose based promotion, stated that since Overeem would be fighting Werdum in the quarter-finals, he had hoped that the fight could be contested for the promotion's heavyweight strap, however those plans have since been nixed. ...

It’s finally here, fans and friends. With this fourteenth entry into the “maxi-series” called “Heavy Wait: The Hunt for Strikeforce Gold”, the end is now upon us. With this final article, I’ll have ended my ultra-in-depth look into the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. It’s been a taxing experience to examine something so closely from so many different angles, but it’s been an experience I won’t soon forget. So here it is, fans and friends: the finale of “Heavy Wait”, my final thoughts on the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. ...

Welcome back fans and friends to the final entries into the “Heavy Wait” series of articles, a “maxi-series” where I take a very in-depth look into the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. A large portion of Heavy Wait focused on what I thought all eight of the tournament’s participants had to do in order to beat all seven of their possible opponents. But who do I honestly think will win it all? That’s exactly what this second-to-last entry in the series will take a look at. So let’s dive right into it as I fully explain why I think that “The Demolition Man”, the man known as “Ubereem”, the one and only K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, DREAM Interim Heavyweight Champion, and Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Alistair Overeem, will win the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix. ...

Hello again fans and friends and welcome to the special three-part finale of “Heavy Wait”! “Heavy Wait” has been a “maxi-series” designed to give fans an ultra-in-depth look into the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix from my perspective: who I think will win, how I think they’ll win, and why I’m looking forward to this tournament so much. Because, don’t forget, one of the main goals of this “maxi-series” was to inject some positivity into a medium that so often only focuses on the negative. So let’s get the three-part finale started with something I know everyone is talking about: the dream matches they hope to see! Here are my Top 5 Dream Matches For The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. ...

Welcome back fans and friends to another edition of “Heavy Wait”, my “maxi-series” where I examine the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. With this eleventh edition of the series, I’ll have now covered all eight of the tournament’s participants, and given my thoughts on how they could possibly defeat all seven of their possible opponents. And last but certainly not least we have the man with dynamite in his hands that took Strikeforce and the MMA world at large by storm not too long ago: Brett Rogers. ...

Hello again fans and friends and welcome back to “Heavy Wait”, the “maxi-series” that takes an ultra-in-depth look into the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Today marks the series’ official entry into double digits, as I look at the final two combatants and once again talk about what I think they need to do in order to beat all seven of their possible opponents. Up next we have the one and only “Babyfaced Assassin”, UFC champion and PRIDE FC veteran Josh Barnett. ...

Welcome back fans and friends to another edition of “Heavy Wait”. My little “maxi-series” focusing on the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix will soon be entering double digits, but not before we focus on Sergei Kharitonov. As before, today’s entry will look at what Sergei has to do in order to beat all seven of his possible opponents. While Kharitonov does seem to be the darkest “dark horse” of the tournament, as the saying goes, anything is possible in MMA. So let’s dive right into “Heavy Wait Part 9: What Sergei Kharitonov Has To Do In Order To Win It All”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another edition of “Heavy Wait”. We’re seven articles in to what I like to call my “maxi-series” focused on the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and today marks entries eight and nine. I’ve now covered four of the eight athletes of the tournament and given my thoughts on what they need to do in order to beat all seven of their possible opponents. Now it’s time to focus on the second leg of the tournament, starting with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski. ...

Fabricio Werdum, though known to most hardcore mixed martial arts fans for yours, came into prominence in the industry when he defeated the seemingly unbeatable fighter in April of last year. When Werdum shocked former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, everyone was left in awe, but also left wondering where the Brazilian would go from there. Did an impending title fight against Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem loom on the horizon for the Brazilian? Will Werdum rematch Fedor, and if so, be able to defeat him again? Instead, we were left wanting when the Jiu-Jitsu specialist was sidelined due to injury for the rest of the year, however he will now be returning for arguably one of the greatest tournament's ever assembled in the realm of mixed martial arts, and he thinks he can take it all. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to the seventh edition of “Heavy Wait: The Hunt for Strikeforce Gold”, a special “maxi-series” focusing on the fast-approaching Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Once again I’ll be looking at another gifted competitor in the tournament and carefully examining what he needs to do in order to beat all seven of his possible opponents. And now we come to the man who arguably scored the biggest upset in MMA history: the one and only “Vai Cavalo”, Fabricio Werdum. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another edition of “Heavy Wait”, a special “maxi-series” where I take an ultra-in-depth look into the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Why? Because it’s an amazing tournament featuring some of my favorite fighters, and I just can’t help but be incredibly interested in it. We’re now into the bulk of “Heavy Wait”, a special eight-part series where I examine what all eight participants in the tournament need to do in order to beat their seven possible competitors. Up next is the one and only “Ubereem”, Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem. So let’s dive right into “Heavy Wait Part 6”. ...

Hello again fans and friends and welcome to part 5 of “Heavy Wait”, my ultra-in-depth look at the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, an event that I along with many Strikeforce fans have incredibly high hopes for. Today on Heavy Wait, we’re diving right into the tournament itself, as I’m taking all eight participants and giving my thoughts on what I think they should do to beat all seven of their possible opponents. Up next is Antonio Silva, the “Bigfoot” that was the first and only EliteXC Heavyweight Champion. Let’s do this. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome back to the “maxi-series” called “Heavy Wait: The Hunt for Strikeforce Gold”. Last time on Heavy Wait, I addressed some of the negativity concerning the planned Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, but make no mistake, the goal of this series is to get everyone pumped up for what I just know will be an amazing tournament. Currently, I’ve addressed the possible negatives as well as going over the positives and what I think will happen if the tournament lives up to its potential. And now we get into the real meat of “Heavy Wait”: an eight-part series where I examine what each and every fighter in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix has to do in order to ultimately win it all. So let’s get started with one of the major names of the tournament: the one and only Fedor Emelianenko. This is “Heavy Wait: What Fedor Needs To Do In Order to Win It All”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome back to “Heavy Wait: The Hunt for Strikeforce Gold”. While the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix sounds amazing on paper, I’ll be honest and admit that no tournament is perfect. Some cynics opposed to this tournament are already emerging, and it’d be a bit biased if I didn’t take time to address that section of the fanbase. In the spirit of examining every angle and really giving the Grand Prix an in-depth look, here are the five things I dislike the most about the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. ...

Hello again fans and friends and welcome to the second part of “Heavy Wait”, my in-depth look at the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The eight-man tournament featuring eight of Strikeforce’s best Heavyweight fighters should be one of the best things to ever come out of the Strikeforce promotion. But why, exactly, am I so hyped about this tournament? Let’s find out in part 2 of “Heavy Wait”: the five things I like the most about the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. ...