UFC vs Strikeforce: The Heavyweights

We may never know who would win in a fight between Frank Mir and Alistair Overeem, or Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko, but through the powers of imagination we can try and predict who might win and how. While the UFC and Strikeforce have no plans in the foreseeable future to come together and promote what would truly be the “Super Bowl of Mixed Martial Arts,” today, in the imaginary world of one writer, we can get a taste of what could be.

Predicting MMA is like predicting the weather, there are far too many variables to account for to be able to accurately predict the winner of a fight consistently, the only true way of knowing is to have the fights happen themselves. The following clash between the top 5 heavyweights of the UFC and Strikeforce is to entertain and encourage discussion, it is by no means the truth about which organization would reign supreme if they ever went head to head, and which fighters would win if they ever went toe to toe.

UFC #5 - Junior Dos Santos vs. Strikeforce #5 - Andrei Arlovski

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski battles it out with rising star Junior Dos Santos in a bout that features a top level striker versus an elite level striker. Arlovski demonstrated just how good his boxing is when he took on Fedor at Affliction: Day of Reckoning over a year ago, but he also showed just how fragile his chin is. Dos Santos has become one of the best strikers in the game today, his hands are fast, his boxing technical, and his fists are full of power.

ROUND 1 – After a slow feeling out process in which Arlovski throws some leg kicks, Dos Santos swarms on the former UFC champ and puts him out cold ala Brett Rogers, needing a referee to stop the fight within the first minutes and a half.

Junior Dos Santos wins via TKO at 1:10 in Round 1.

UFC – 1

Strikeforce - 0

UFC #4 - Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria vs. Strikeforce #4 - Brett Rogers

The #2 heavyweight fighter of the past decade, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria, has seen better days, coming off a destruction at the hands and legs of a much younger and hungrier Cain Velasquez. Big Nog still has some of the best BJJ seen in MMA today, but it may not be enough to get past the bigger, stronger, faster, Brett Rogers. Rogers showed how dangerous he can be when he took out Andrei Arlovski in 22 seconds, and then had Fedor reeling from his devastating ground and pound in the first round of their matchup. But Rogers still has much to learn to become a #1 fighter in the heavyweight division.

ROUND 1 – They start out slow, Rogers hesitant against a legend of the sport, Big Nog cognizant of the power held within Rogers hands. Suddenly, Rogers remembers the anger and regret he felt for not being aggressive against Fedor and charges the BJJ specialist. Big Nog lets off a jab, but Rogers is on him quickly, throwing heavy bombs, most missing and hitting the arms of a well defended Nogueria. Rogers takes a step back, Nog having learned his lesson from the Velasquez fight, shoots for a takedown, but Rogers stuffs it. He is just too big and strong for the aging Brazilian, and now it looks like his time might be numbered.

With only a minute left in the round, Rogers catches Big Nog with a heavy right hook that sends him crashing to the mat. Rogers in his inexperience and blind aggression follows Nogueria to the mat, trying to land bombs from the guard. Big Nog recovers and is able to ride out the round.

ROUND 2 - When the next round beings, both fighters are notably fatigued, Rogers had a lot of nervous energy coming into the fight, and it seems to have taken something out of him. Big Nog still hasn’t fully recovered from the heavy blow last round, a younger Nogueria would be fine, but the wars in PRIDE have taken their toll. Big Nog comes out more aggressive trying to get inside on Rogers and land something flush. He catches Rogers, but Rogers comes back with a flurry of punches that stun Big Nog and back him up against the cage. Rogers, smelling blood, rumbles toward Big Nog throwing some heavy rights and lefts, Big Nog tries to clinch, but Rogers shrugs him off and lands a devastating left hook that sends the former PRIDE champion to the mat. Rogers jumps to side-mount, hammer-fisting the stiff Nogueria, forcing the referee is to stop the fight.

Brett Rogers wins via TKO at 3:21 in Round 2.

UFC – 1

Strikeforce - 1

UFC #3 - Cain Velasquez vs. Strikeforce #3 - Fabricio Werdum

The surging Cain Velasquez takes on the experienced BJJ artist Fabricio Werdum. Cain Velasquez continues to improve his kickboxing, and coming in against another BJJ fighter, his BJJ defense continues to improve. He may not need it though as Werdum’s wrestling is nowhere near Velasquez’s, taking the Mexican heavyweight down to the ground may be about as impossible as a UFC vs. Strikeforce showdown ever happening. Werdum has decent kickboxing, trained in 2006 by Mirko Cro Cop, but his speed and power is no match for Velasquez. Werdum’s only hope is on the ground where he can utilize his jiu-jitsu and pull out a submission victory.

ROUND 1 - The fight starts off fast with a now confident Velasquez moving in on the seemingly vulnerable Werdum. Werdum tries to keep Cain at bay with a leg kick, but Vealsquex walks through it and lands one of his own that echoes through the stadium. Werdum circles around the ring, trying to buy himself some time to figure out a tactic that will win him this fight. As he’s thinking Cain throws a combination of rights and lefts, leg kicks and head kicks, that push Werdum against the cage. They clinch briefly, but Velasquez being the better stronger wrestler separates and unloads again on Werdum. Werdum shoots for a single leg, but Cain shrugs it off. This is a bad matchup for the Brazilian, as he has nothing to deal with the striking and wrestling of the two-time All American wrestler. The round ends after Velasquez lands some crippling leg kicks which send Werdum back to his corner, limping and defeated.

ROUND 2 - Cain is much more patient to start off the round, his confidence is at a high, he knows this fight is his. Werdum looks confused, unsure of how to attack this great fighter that Velasquez as blossomed into. Werdum throws some weak arm punches and shoots for a double leg, Cain stuffs it and kicks out the lead leg of Werdum who falls to the mat, hoping Cain will follow him down. Velasquez signals for Werdum to stand up, and the referee comes between the two fighters allowing for Werdum to stand. Werdum throws some jabs into the air, and then tries to land a powerful right hand on Velasquez, but he is countered with a thunderous uppercut that sends him crashing to the mat and ends the fight.

Cain Velasquez wins via KO at 2:36 in Round 2.

UFC – 2

Strikeforce - 1

UFC #2 - Frank Mir vs. Strikeforce #2 - Alistair Overeem

Frank Mir is coming off an impressive demolition over kickboxer Cheick Kong, and since his lost to Brock Lesnar, has put on some muscle to compete with the biggest fighters the heavyweight division has to offer. And he’ll need it, going up against the colossus Alistair Overeem who has become a K-1 level kickboxer with knees that can end a fight before it begins and submission skills that have accounted for 19 of his 32 wins. Mir could take this fight to the mat and potentially submit Overeem with his terrific jiu-jitsu, but his ego may want to prove that he can stand with the best kickboxers around. Overeem would be wise to keep this fight standing, as even though he has good sumbmission skills, they are nothing compared to Mir’s.

ROUND 1 - Mir circles Overeem, who even compared to bulking Frank Mir, looks huge. It’s clear Mir wants to stand and see what Overeem is made of, as he pumps a jab out that catches the slow, trodding, Overeem. Overeem springs into attack with a jumping knee that is countered by Mir with an overhand right which stuns Alistair briefly. Overeem throws a powerful leg kick, Mir tries to check it, but gets caught. Overeem gets inside on Frank and begins throwing some heavy bombs, they hit mostly arm and air, but allow for Overeem to get the thai-plum where attempts to land one of his deadly knees. Frank is wise to it and is able to clinch and pull out of the plum before anything solid lands.

Halfway through the round, Overeem is already looking slower and less technical, and it appears that was Frank’s plan all along. Frank clinches with Overeem, pushing him up against the fence, they trade some elbows and knees, but nothing solid lands, it is all a tactic by Mir to get Overeem to gas. And finally when they separate, with only 30 seconds to go in the round, Overeem is noticeably tired, his hands are low, his breathing heavy, his footwork nill. The round ends with some back and forth leg kicking by the two combatants, each trying to break their opponent’s fibula.

ROUND 2 – The round begins with a smirk on Mir’s face and a scowl across Overeem’s. Overeem starts the round off aggressive and lands a plodding right hand that hurts Mir. As Mir tries to maneuver away, Overeem throws a powerful knee to the abdomen and clasps his hands around Mir’s neck. Mir breaks the collar tie before anything can land, and shoots for the takedown. He gets it, as Overeem has gotten too comfortable on his feet and forgot to guard against the takedown. Mir lands some good shots from Overeem’s guard and within a matter of time moves to half-guard, and then side-mount. Frank continues to work from the top, forcing Overeem to expend energy.

With only two minutes left in the round, Frank mounts the exhausted Overeem and throws some bombs that slip through Overeem’s defense and smash his face. A bloody nosed Overeem lazily turns to his back where Mir sinks in his hooks and goes for the choke. Overeem defends with all the energy he has left while Mir pops away at Alistair’s body, taking whatever energy Overeem has left, out of him. A well placed shot to the liver drops Overeem’s hands and Frank’s bloody gloves are able to maneuver around Overeem’s thick neck and apply the choke. Overeem taps and lays flat on the mat exhausted.

Frank Mir wins via rear naked choke at 4:22 in Round 2.

UFC – 3

Strikeforce - 1

UFC #1 - Brock Lesnar vs. Strikeforce #1 - Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emilianenko, arguably the #1 pound for pound fighter in the world, has shown throughout his career an ability to overcome any obstacle in a fight and win whether via KO or submission. Regardless of Emilianenko’s future, he will be remembered as the best heavyweight fighter of the 00’s. But his opponent, Brock Lesnar, has the opportunity to be remembered as the first man to actually defeat the Russian fighter, and also has an opportunity to establish his legacy as one of the best heavyweight fighters to step in to the ring or cage in the history of MMA. Lesnar’s extensive background in wrestling combined with his sheer size and athletic ability has made him a force in the MMA world, and with a win over Fedor, a potentially mythical fighter.

ROUND 1 – There is a buzz in the air, the whole crowd is on their feet, as the two best heavyweights in MMA today square off against one another for the first time. They circle one another as the anticipation builds. Fedor approaches first, getting a feel for the range. Both fighters are hesitant to engage, Fedor well aware of the power Brock possesses in his body, and Brock fully knowledgeable about Fedor’s crippling right hand. They exchange briefly, Fedor’s hand speed getting the better of the slower Lesnar, but it isn’t until halfway through the round that anything of significance happens. It is here where Fedor lunges in and lands a right to the side of Brock’s head, stunning him, but just as quickly as it lands, Brock shoots for a double leg and gets it. Brock’s strength advantage was too much for the smaller Emelianenko to overcome, and now the Russian fighter finds himself on his back with Lesnar in his guard. From here Lesnar is patient, picking his opportunities to strike, comfortable from Fedor’s guard. Brock hits Fedor with his sledgehammer like hands, and then postures up where he unleashes a barrage of wild punches to the face of Emilianenko. Fedor is able to avoid most of them, but like in his fight against Brett Rogers, gets caught with a few shots that may have ended another fighter’s night. During the flurry, Fedor is able to scramble to his feet as the bell rings to signal the end of the round.

ROUND 2 - The round begins as careful and hesitant as the first, with each fighter maintaining distance and refusing to engage. This time it is Lesnar who comes forward, and upon entering striking distance, Fedor unleashes his sambo style looping right hand that just misses Lesnar and brings the fighters into a clinch. Lesnar is unable to take the “Last Emperor” down, as Fedor maintains his balance. Lesnar pushes Fedor up against the cage, hitting him with weak shots to the ribs. Fedor is as calm as ever, his face stoic, his eyes focused. He throws some knees to the abdomen of Lesnar, but not much else is happening so the referee comes in and separates the fighters.

Fedor is feeling much more comfortable as he closes the distance between Lesnar and himself. Brock throws a jab that is all arm, but fails to connect. Fedor comes inside and throws a combination, but nothing lands clean, hitting shoulders and air. The crowd is still on their feet, having not sat down the whole fight, waiting for something to happen. And then it does, Fedor throws an overhand right and left that Brock dips under for a double leg takedown. With only a little over a minute remaining in the round, Brock is much more aggressive, throwing a flurry of punches to the calm Russian fighter. He cuts Fedor open along his eyebrow with a vicious elbow that leaks blood down Fedor’s face. Fedor has an aggressive guard, trying to catch one of Lesnar’s powerful arms in an armbar or triangle, and with thirty seconds to go, he does just that. Fedor latches on to Lesnar’s left arm and swings his hips for an armbar. He has Lesnar caught, but Lesnar rises up, lifting Fedor, and shakes off the armbar as the round comes to a close. Tension fills the arena.

ROUND 3 – Not much happens for the first minute of the fight, missed jabs, circling, but then Brock lands a heavy left hand that knocks Fedor off balance, he recovers quickly, but may be hurt. Brock smelling blood, pounces on Fedor, throwing some overhand punches that miss as Fedor slips them. Fedor shoots for a takedown, Brock stuffs it, Fedor feints another takedown and lands a looping right and left that rocks Lesnar to the mat. Fedor jumps into Lesnar’s guard and swarms the UFC champ with a ground and pound worthy of its name. Brock is able to weather the flurry, but has developed a small gash under his left eye. Fedor is able to move into half-guard, staying active, while Lesnar tries to overpower the smaller Emelianenko. The round ends with Fedor landing some peppering shots to Lesnar’s head from the half-guard. Both fighters appear exhausted.

ROUND 4 – Lesnar starts off the round acting like he wants to stand, but shoots for a single leg. He gets it and has side-mount. Fedor is in trouble here as Brock rains down some serious hammerfists. If Lesnar had this position earlier in the fight, it would have been over, but since Lesnar is tired, Emelianenko isn’t in as much danger. Fedor remains calm, maneuvering for position, trying to get Lesnar in his guard, but Lesnar’s wrestling is too good and he continues throw single blows to the head of Fedor. The crowds’ chant of “USA” rumbles through the building when Lesnar comes down with a lazy left hand that is snatched by Fedor and quickly turned into an armbar. Fedor had been waiting patiently, enduring blow after blow looking for the submission and now he has it. Lesnar tries to power out of it, but he has nothing left in the tank. His arm is stretched, Lesnar’s forced to tap.

Fedor Emelianenko wins via armbar at 3:54 in Round 4.

UFC – 3

Strikeforce – 2

Best Heavyweight – Fedor Emelianenko of Strikeforce

Best Heavyweights – UFC

By Jeffrey Concerto
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer