DALLAS – “Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum” takes place this evening at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, and will feature the second round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament quarterfinal bouts.

Squaring off in the main event will be current Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem (34-11, 1 NC) and the man known for dethroning “The Last Emperor”,  Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1).

The other tournament bout on tonight’s card features former UFC heavyweight champ and one of the world’s long standing top heavyweights, Josh Barnett (29-5), who will take on Minnesota knockout artist Brett Rogers (11-2).

The “Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum” preliminary card will broadcast LIVE on HDNet starting at 8 p.m. ET and the main card will air LIVE on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET.

ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) will provide LIVE results and play-by-play analysis of the entire card. Feel free to leave your reaction and thoughts about the fights in the comment section below. Also, check out our Staff Picks to see how we did in our predictions.

“Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum” quick results:

MAIN CARD (Showtime)

  • Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Josh Barnett def. Brett Rogers by submission (arm triangle) Rd 2 (1:17)
  • Jorge Masvidal def. KJ Noons by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Daniel Cormier def. Jeff Monson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Chad Griggs def. Valentijn Overeem by TKO (strikes) Rd 1 (2:08)

PRELIMINARY CARD (HDNet)

  • Todd Moore vs. Mike Bronzoulis (moved to after Showtime card)
  • Justin Wlcox vs. JZ Cavalcante ruled a no decision (eye poke to Wilcox) Rd 2 (0:31)
  • Conor Heun def. Magno Almeida by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Nah-Shon Burrell def. Joe Ray by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Isaac Vallie-Flagg def. Brian Melancon by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Press F5 on your keyboard to refresh this page as play-by-play is updated in real time following each round of action.

“Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum” play-by-play:

Brian Melancon vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg

Round 1 – Leg kick from Vallie-Flagg but Melancon attacks with an onslaught of punches and then puts Vallie-Flagg on his back. Melancon gets him in a crucifix position then a scramble and ends up in full mount. Vallie-Flagg looks for a leg, and Melancon moves into side control. He looks for the crucifix but Vallie-Flagg gives up his back. Melancon takes it with hooks in, and is looking for the choke. Vallie-Flagg escapes and gets to his feet. Nice elbow from Vallie-Flagg out of the clinch. They square up, front kick from Vallie-Flagg. Big overhand right from Melancon, then a jab, he goes for a trip takedown but eats a knee. Vallie-Flagg grabs a single but can’t get the takedown. One minute to go; clinched against the cage. Body shot and elbow from Melancon, then tries to land a knee to the face. Nice counter punch from Melancon. Two flying knees from Vallie-Flagg miss. They clinch and time runs out. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Melancon.

Round 2 – Double left jab right cross from Vallie-Flagg. They exchange jabs. Melancon with a right. Vallie-Flagg with a leg kick. Knee to the body from Vallie-Flagg. They clinch, knee from Vallie-Flagg to the thigh, he drops levels, gets the takedown. Melancon pops right up but Vallie-Flagg stays on the leg. Let’s the leg go, remains clinched. Collar tie from Melancon, gives a knee or two and lets it go. Elbows from Vallie-Flagg and Melancon fires back with punches. Jumping knee from Vallie-Flagg does no damage. Nice combo from Vallie-Flagg. Melancon goes for the takedown but can’t get it. Vallie-Flagg grabs a single but can’t take it down. Melancon stops him in his tracks with a beautiful uppercut. Then a stiff jab. They clinch up and exchange knees before the bell. Close round. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Vallie-Flagg.

Round 3 – Front kick from Vallie-Flagg followed by a leg kick. He eats a nice jab from Melancon, then a leg kick. Melancon shoots, drives him against the cage but can’t complete the takedown. They clinch up and Vallie-Flagg lands an elbow and a knee and a punch. Melancon fires back a jab, a left to the body. Vallie-Flagg with a knee to the body as they clinch up and Melancon tosses him to the canvas with a judo throw. Melancon mounts Vallie-Flagg but unable to hold it as Vallie-Flagg gets to his feet. They clinch up with under two minutes to go. Ref separates them. Leg kick from Vallie-Flagg. Clinch; two knees to the body from Vallie-Flagg. Another one, another. Ref separates them. Leg kick from Vallie-Flagg but Melancon puts him on his back with just over ten seconds. Vallie-Flagg gets to his feet but Melancon hangs on him and drags him back down. Very hard fight to call. Very close. Vallie-Flagg landed more strikes but Melancon got two takedowns so… ProMMAnow.com scores it 10-9 for Vallie-Flagg. I was afraid the judges were going to give it to Melancon even though he did nothing with the takedowns in round three. I think they got it right though with Vallie-Flagg.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Isaac Vallie-Flagg def. Brian Melancon by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Joe Ray

Round 1 – Leg kick from Ray is countered with a jab. Ray smacks a leg kick and Burrell shoots, picks him up high and puts him on his back. Burrell inside full guard. Ray with wrist control as Burrell postures up. Ray looks for an armbar but Burrell pulls out and stands over Ray. Ray grabs a foot but eats a right hand for his troubles. Burrell on top in half guard. Ray looking for a kimura, switches to armbar but Burrell pulls out and moves to half guard. Burrell postures up and Ray goes for an armbar. He eats a couple hammerfists and Burrell pulls out. Ray is right back at it though looking for an armbar. Burrell pulls out, Ray stands up. Burrell attacks for the takedown and Burrell goes for a standing kimura. Burrell puts him down but Ray still has the arm and tries to submit him but Burrell pulls out and is on top in full guard. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Ray.

Round 2 – Burrell lands a couple jabs and Ray fires back with a leg kick. Burrell lands a nice right hand and Ray misses with a spinning backfist. Body shot from Burrell. Nice big right from Burrell, leg kick, two sweet jabs and a takedown from Burrell. Ray immediately has him in a kimura but Burrell stands up and out. Ray switches to a leg and Burrell moves to side control, then north-south, back to side control. Burrell stands up and Ray gets to his feet, holding Burrell’s leg. Burrell ends up on top in half guard. Ref warns them to get busy and stands them up. Nice head kick from Burrell. Burrell grabs a single leg and gets the takedown. Burrell on top in half guard; lands a couple punches and hammerfists. He postures up standing. Ray grabs a leg but Burrell pulls out. Ray turtles up. Burrell has top control and lands a couple body shots. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Burrell.

Round 3 – Nice combo from Burrell who is clearly the better striker. Ray with a right but eats a jab uppercut in return. One two from Burrell. Burrell with a double jab. Burrell continues the attack with several punches and a body shot. Body kick from Ray then a leg kick from Ray. Nice right from Burrell. Burrell puts him on his back, lands a couple elbows but Ray gets to his feet. Clinched against the cage; Ray gets the takedown and locks on a guillotineas they hit the mat. Less than two minutes to go and Burrell pulls his head out and takes Ray’s back from the side. Ray gets to his feet but remaining clinched, Burrell puts him back down and is on top in half guard. Burrell with punches and a hammerfist from top. Burrell trying to move to half guard as Ray holds on. Elbows and hammerfists from Burrell, he then stands up and throws a Superman punch at the bell as Ray stands up. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 and the fight 29-28 for Burrell.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Nah-Shon Burrell def. Joe Ray by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Conor Heun vs. Magno Almeida

Round 1 – Leg kick from Almeida. Heun with a leg kick. Almeida with a overhand right and leg kick. Leg kick from Almeida but Heun puts him on his back. Almeida grabs his leg, rolls for a kneebar, they scramble but Almeida still has the leg, switches to a toe hold. Heun survives and escapes and locks up a omoplata, switches to rubber guard and lands elbows to the crown of the head and punches to the face. Heun scoring and being relentless with elbows off his back. He switches to full closed guard, back to mission control. Almeida lands a few body shots and Heun continues to attack with elbows. The ref stands them up and the crowd boo’s the decision. Almieida comes in swinging. Big leg kick from Heun. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Heun.

Round 2 – One two leg kick from Heun and Almeida gives him one back. Leg kick from Heun, again. They clinch up against the cage. Knees from Heun to the thighs. Nice elbow from Heun. Knee to the body from Almeida, he pushes Heun back, he runs into the ref and the ref falls to the mat to the cheers of the crowd. Heun gets up and Almeida attacks, lands a big punch. They clinch up and Heun gets the takedown and lands in side control. Heun tries to mount but Almeida gets full guard and locks up an armbar, he controls Heun’s body and it’s very tight here. Heun gives him a couple heels. Almeida tries to crank it with all his might but Heun is getting out. Heun has reverse back mount as Almeida is on his knees. They scramble and Almeida throws a one two as the bell sounds. Great round. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Almeida.

Round 3 – Leg kick from Heun. Almeida with a leg kick. Jab from Heun. One two three from Almeida. Double leg kicks from Heun and Almeida counters with a couple rights. Nice right uppercut from Heun. Heun gets a double leg takedown. Almeida goes for an armbar as he practically pulled guard. Heun wraps his legs around Almeida and puts some heels in his back as he pulls out of the armbar. Almeida gets side control, rolls into a D’arce as Heun was trying to use a rubber guard. Almeida tries to tighten it but Heun escapes, postures up inside Almeida’s full guard and starts raining down hammerfists and double hammerfists over and over, scoring some nice shots. Almeida finall catches an arm, tries for a kimura briefly but Heun pulls out and returns to assaulting with punches over and over as time runs out. Almeida goes for an armbar right at the bell but it’s too late. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 and the fight 29-28 for Heun. Heun’s arm is hurt and looks out of joint. Tough tough kid.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Conor Heun def. Magno Almeida by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante vs. Justin Wilcox

Round 1 – Jab from JZ. Jumping knee from Wilcox misses, lands a leg kick. Left jab from Wilcox, then a one two body shot. Leg kick from Wilcox but eats a counter right. Nice jab from JZ. Leg kick from Wilcox. Big leg kick from JZ but Wilcox catches the leg and puts him down. JZ gets right up, eats a knee. Nice right from Wilcox. Leg kick from Wilcox. JZ looks for a leg, eats a punch. Body kick from Wilcox. Nice left hook from Wilcox. Front kick from Wilcox to the face; doesn’t land very solid. Wilcox shoots, stuffed. Front kick from JZ to the chest. Left head kick from Wilcox. Wilcox lands a couple punches. Right hand from Wildox. Right cross from Wilcox. Front kick from Wilcox. Right hand from JZ. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Wilcox.

Round 2 – Wilcox misses a head kick. Lands a right but catches a counter finger in his eye and he falls to the ground in pain. Remember that — that’s the difference in MMA and self defense. In a real fight just poke your opponent in the eye as hard as possible. The doctor checks him and he tells her he can’t see and the fight is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Justin Wlcox vs. JZ Cavalcante ends in a no decision (eye poke to Wilcox) Rd 2 (0:31)

Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs

Round 1 – Big leg kick from Overeem. He misses a head kick and Griggs ties him up in a clinch against the cage. Overeem has underhooks and gets the takedown. Griggs lands on top in half guard. Overeem ties up Griggs leg and is maintaining wrist control. Griggs landing several punches from top. Overeem turtles up and Griggs pounds away until Overeem taps out to strikes. Wow!

OFFICIAL RESULT: Chad Griggs def. Valentijn Overeem by TKO (strikes) Rd 1 (2:08)

Daniel Cormier vs. Jeff Monson

Round 1 – Right jab from Monson. Leg kick from Cormier. Clinch, elbow from Cormier. They separate. Inside leg kick from Monson and Cormier fires back with punches. Body shot from Cormier. They tie up against the cage. Kidney shots from Monson. Monson bleeding from the top of his head. Uppercut from Monson, they separate. Nice right from Cormier. Front  kick from Cormier, then a leg kick, another leg kick. Left hand from Monson. Nice left from Cormier stuns Monson. Big body kick from Cormier. One two from Cormier. Nice jabs from Cormier. Monson with the jab, they tie up. Left hook from Cormier. Nice right from Cormier. Nice left hook and knee to the body from Cormier. One two from Cormier. Cormier’s striking looks much improved here. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Cormier.

Round 2 – Leg kick from Cormier, then a leg kick, head kick. Cormier then lights him up with punches and Monson counters with a  right. Monson swings with a big overhand right and falls to the ground like Aaron Tru in his fight. Big leg kick from Cormier. Right hand from Monson and Cormier fires back. They clinch against the cage. Nice right hand on the break from Monson. Nice left jab from Monson. Big straight right and a jab from Cormier. They tie up in the center of the cage and exchange on the break with Cormier getting the better of the exchange. Leg kick from Cormier. Left straight from Cormier. They tie up against the cage. Cormier with body shots and knees. He lights Monson up on the break. Straight left and leg kick from Cormier. Nice right from Cormier. They tie up; knees to the thighs from Cormier. He trips Monson to the ground and lands a couple punches before he gets up. ProMMAnow.com scores the round10-9 for Cormier.

Round 3 – Monson is moving to 205 after this bout. Cormier looks like the black Fedor about now. Big leg kick from Cormier. I’m talking about he physically looks like Fedor. Left hook from Monson. Again. Leg kick from Cormier. Nice one two from Cormier stuns Monson. A big left hook staggers Monson. Monson lands a nice left. Cormier hurts him with more punches. Monson shoots and gets shucked off to the ground. Nice left from Cormier; they tie up against the cage. Knees to the thighs. Nice combo from Cormier on the break. Cormier with a nice high kick even though it misses. Cormier lands some big punches and Monson shoots, gets shoved off to the ground. They tie up against the cage. Just over a minute to go. Nice knee to the body from Cormier. Again. Monson gets tossed to his back as he tries to take Cormier down. Big leg kick from Cormier. High kick to the chin from Cormier. Left hook from Cormier at the bell. Great great great showing from Cormier. A real clinic. His striking looks so much improved. Keep in mind though Monson is not known at all for his striking so this was pretty much a great way to showcase Cormier’s improving skills. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-8 and the fight 30-26 for Cormier.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Daniel Cormier def. Jeff Monson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

COMMENTARY: Mauro Ranallo just erroneously stated Monson was the wrestling coach at ATT.

K.J. Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

Round 1 – Noons comes out quickly. Leg kick from Masvidal. Overhand righ and flying knee from Masvidal; leg kick. Right hand from Masvidal. Body shot from Noons. Left hand from Noons. Leg kick from Masvidal. Left jab from Masvidal. Nice combo from Noons to the body. Left hook from Masvidal and a flying knee. Masvidal shoots, gets the takedown. Noons looking for a kimura. Masvidal in mount position, sitting on Noons’ legs. In a bit of a stale mate but Masvidal pulls his hand out and they stand up. Leg kick double jab from Masvidal. Right hand from Masvidal, front kick. A nice knee busted up Noons’ face. Noons looking for blood. Masvidal with a big one two. Nice jab. Leg kick from Masvidal. Head kick drops Noons and Masvidal follows up withn some big shots, they scramble and as the round counts down Masvidal attacks with fast big punches. Beautiful round for Masvidal. ProMMAnow.com scores it 10-8 for Masvidal.

Round 2 – Noons don’t like that. Left hook from Masvidal. Masvidal moves and slips some shots from Noons. Leg kick from Masvidal. Body shot from Noons. Jab from Masvidal. Again. Nice uppercut from Noons. Masvidal taunting him. Big leg kick from Masvidal. He takes Noons down but he pops right up. His head bleeding again. Noons with a body shot. Masvidal with a nice single leg. Noons on his back with full guard. Nice elbows from Masvidal. He postures up with punches. Noons gets his back against the cage and gets to his feet. They separate. Leg kick from Noons. Nice right from Masvidal. Huge body shot from Masvidal, he shoots for a single, pushes him against the cage. He gets Noons on his butt. Noons gets up and Masvidal on his back now. Less than 30 seconds to go and Masvidal gets to his feet. Nice jumping knee on the chin from Masvidal. He’s on his bicycle and bloody. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Masvidal.

Round 3 – Gus Johnson just compared Masvidal to Cormier. Noons swings big and misses. Body shot from Masvidal. Then a one two. Leg kick from Noons. Nice jab from Masvidal. Masvidal shoots, stuffed. Uppercut from Noons connects. Masvidal  with a spinning back kick backs Noons up. Nice body shot and left hook from Noons. Leg kick from Noons and Masvidal shoots, gets the takedown. Noons gets right up. Masvidal puts him back down and takes top position. Noons scrambling trying to get up and he does. But Masvidal holds onto one leg, lifting it up and stays on him. Noons tries to grab a leg and roll for a kneebar, then switches to a kimura but not even close and Masvidal just spanked him (not literally). Noons has an enormous hematoma over his right eye and ends the round bloody. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 and the fight 30-26 for Masvidal (and yes I did pick Jorge in our staff picks).

OFFICIAL RESULT: Jorge Masvidal def. KJ Noons by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

COMMENTARY: Masvidal says he hopes Scott Coker will give him a title shot at Gilbert Melendez. I say do it. I don’t see any other lightweights in Strikeforce more deserving than Masvidal.

I must mention Mauro’s new hairstyle; yes he has shaved his head. Going to take awhile to get used to. Looks odd.

Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers

Round 1 – Rogers looks serious and calm. I don’t give him much of a chance here. Maybe he can prove me wrong. Leg kick from Rogers and Barnett shoots with it. He grabs a single leg, then a double and slams him on his back, landing in side control. That was more of a body slam. Rogers puts his feet on the cage but it does him no good. Brett scrambles but Barnett catches him and gets in half guard, then full mount. Brett tries to scoot toward the cage, gets his feet on the cage. Rogers tries to push off the cage but Barnett maintains control in full mount. Barnett taking his time, softening him up with elbows and punches. Rogers with a big hip explosion and gets Barnett out of mount for about one second. Barnett is smothering him here with 30 seconds to go. Elbow from Barnett as Rogers holds on. Barnett with a couple punches before the bell. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Barnett.

Round 2 – Nice one two from Rogers. Barnett fires back and stuns Rogers then takes him down and immediately lands in full mount. Body shots from Barnett. Barnett puts on an arm triangle (side choke) and Rogers taps out just like that. One two three, easy as can be. And yes I did call this one as did most people not named Denny Hodge and Brian Furby (sorry Denny and Furb). Rogers needs to go train with Barnett. That would be a good guy for him to align himself with.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Josh Barnett def. Brett Rogers by submission (arm triangle) Rd 2 (1:17)

COMMENTARY: No post-fight interview here. Barnett took the mic from Gus Johnson and gave a pro wrestling type promo. Good stuff.

Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

Round 1 – Hold on to your hats. Werdum is actually just a bit taller. Overeem rocking a mohawk. Werdum with a high kick, blocked, and he’s pushed aside. Werdum lands a knee to the face out of the clinch. Werdum shoots, stuffed. Overeem catches his kick and throws him on his back. Werdum with a leg kick and shoots, stuffed. Werdum butt scooting just like I called it. Leg kick from Werdum. Right hand, shoots, stuffed. Big knee to the body from Overeem. Werdum swings and misses. Werdum pulls guard but is pushed off. Werdum shoots, pulls guard. Overeem stands up and out. The crowd cheers. Leg kick and a right from Werdum. One two from Werdum, he clinches and Overeem sweeps him to his back. Werdum tries to pull guard to the boos of the crowd. Overeem lands a big left hook and Werdum falls to his back. Nice right from Werdum. Overeem throws him to his back as he pushes off the shot. Leg kick and punch from Werdum. He shoots again, stuffed. Werdum pulls guard and ends up on the bottom as the bell sounds. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Werdum.

Round 2 – Overeem misses a big right. Werdum lands a punch and a knee. Overeem with a knee. Werdum lands a one two but gets pushed to the ground. Werdum attacking lands a knee to the chin. Werdum with punches. Werdum pulls gaurd and Overeem backs out. Werdum gets hit with two big hooks. Right hook from Overeem. Werdum got up really slow. He tries to pull guard again and gets shrugged off. Overeem lands a big one two and Werdum pulls guard. Overeem on top inside full guard. This is what Werdum wanted with less than two minutes to go and Overeem stands up. Werdum getting up very slow. Big knee to the body from Overeem. Werdum getting up slowly. Overeem lands a big knee and Werdum pulls guard once more. Overeeim inside full guard with less than a minute to go. Overeem with a couple right hands and Werdum is shrimping. Overeem rides it out on top position. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Overeem.

Round 3 – Werdum looks exhausted. Werdum comes out strong with punches. Werdum shoots, stuffed. Shoots again and Overeem sprawls. Overeem riding his back now as Overeem rolls and Overeem lets him up. Werdum lands a punch and Overeem lands a counter and Werdum pulls guard. Overeem on top inside full guard. Overeem stands up and out. Werdum sitting on his back inviting him in. Werdum stands up and lands a nice combo. Body shot from Overeem. Overeem throws a knee and Werdum catches it and pulls guard. Overeem back on top inside full guard. The crowd boos as Overeem lays and prays. Fans chanting “stand them up”. Werdum with wrist control and trying to attack from the bottom as Overeem lays and prays, doing nothing. Overeem stands up and out. Big knee from Overeem, another one. Overeem covers up as Werdim lands some shots. With less than ten seconds left Werdum locks up a knee bar heel hook combo. Strange fight and round. I would give at a tie and make them go to a fourth round personally. ProMMAnow.com scores the round 10-9 for Overeem and the fight 29-28 for Overeem.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

COMMENTARY: Overeem breathing very heavy in the post-fight interview. He will now face Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in the semifinal round in August. He is going to have his hands full, no doubt about it.

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