Strikeforce/M-1 Global 'Fedor vs. Rogers' Preview

Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

The Breakdown: In a non-title tilt, Mousasi will look to continue his successful segue to the 205-pound class against the Cameroonian Predator. Once thought to be the division’s top blue-chip prospect, Sokoudjou’s obscene physical talent has long been overshadowed by cardio roughly on par with that of a pack-a-day smoker.

Worse yet, Mousasi’s striking has proven far more polished and his submission skill renders Sokoudjou’s judo throws inconsequential. Everyone has been waiting for years for Sokoudjou to jump on the treadmill, but in this fight, he will need strategic savvy that will not come from a few hours on the track every day.

The X-Factor: For the first few minutes of any fight, Sokoudjou can best be described as hell on wheels. While Mousasi excels in fast-paced fights, Sokoudjou only needs to find a home for a straight right to relive his upset streak in Pride Fighting Championships. If nothing else, Sokoudjou will get the pace he wants from Mousasi. Whether he gets the result he wants will depend on whether or not this fight turns into another showcase for his flaws.

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The Bottom Line: Any concerns about Mousasi’s transition to light heavyweight were silenced when he demolished Renato "Babalu" Sobral in a minute flat. Meanwhile, Sokoudjou has been floundering in the Dream Super Hulk tournament after getting smacked down by the leading men at light heavyweight. Watch for Sokoudjou to come out with customary guns blazing and promptly run into a knockout courtesy of a Mousasi head kick.