May 18, 2012 – The long-awaited Strikeforce World Grand Prix tournament finals kick off tomorrow night, May 19th, from San Jose, California.
After a long road that began with 8 of the world’s top heavyweights, two remain with former UFC heavyweight champion and PRIDE® Grand Prix finalist Josh Barnett and former US Olympian wrestler Daniel Cormier set to battle it out to be crowned the grand prix champion.
At present, odds-favors favor the 15 years of experience and 3-5 record of Josh Barnett to win out over his upstart opponent. With wins over the likes of Dan Severn, Randy Couture, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, and many more, this should come as no surprise.
However, what does come as a surprise are the picks of their contemporaries, primarily some of the top heavyweights current doing battle in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. With an imminent UFC arrival for the tournament winner at some point in the near future (potentially within the year), it’s interesting to hear thoughts from these other top guys.
Read on and see what they think of this fight. Their answers may surprise you.
Top UFC Heavyweights predict Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier
Junior dos Santos, reigning UFC heavyweight champion, said: “They are both great fighters and this is a fight that could end very quickly for each guy. But Cormier is more explosive and has the better chances to end this early. It could be very exciting, but I think Cormier wins.”
Frank Mir, two-time UFC heavyweight champion, said: “I think Cormier takes this. I can’t see Barnett getting him to the ground, his wrestling is too strong. And on the feet I think Cormier has the power to end things. But with two top heavyweights, anything can happen. That’s why this division is so exciting – anyone who is world class can beat anyone else with one punch. You can’t say that about the lighter weight classes and that’s why heavyweight fights are so cool to watch.”
Cain Velasquez, former UFC heavyweight champion said: “I pick Daniel Cormier. Number one, because I train with him but also because he’s so hungry in this sport, I don’t think he will be denied. He was really raw when he came into our gym the first time a couple of years ago but he picked up everything a lot faster than most. He has dangerous strikes and I can’t see Josh getting him to the ground. Daniel’s wrestling is too good; I think he takes this fight and makes a statement about his future in the division.”
Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, who reached the Grand Prix semi-final stage before losing to Cormier, also picked his old rival for the win, saying: “I think Cormier will win this fight and be the Grand Prix Champion. I was very surprised by him in our fight. I think he is too strong, too powerful in this fight. He punches very hard and his wrestling is very good. I think he will win inside the distance unless Josh Barnett gets this to the ground quickly.”