Strikeforce kicks off their first card of 2012 from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this Saturday night, Jan. 7, LIVE on Showtime with “Rockhold vs. Jardine“. The main event features middleweight champion Luke Rockhold putting his title on the line against UFC vet Keith Jardine who is making his 185 pound debut.
In welterweight action undefeated Strikeforce veteran and top 170 pound contender Tyron Woodley (9-0) will face Canadian Jordan “Young Guns” Mein (23-7).
Tyron Woodley (9-0 MMA, 7-0 Strikeforce)
Total 9
Wins 9
By knockout 1
By submission 5
By decision 3
Losses 0
Woodley is a 29-year-old wrestler who made his debut with Strikeforce in June 2009 in what was just his third pro fight and has been doing steady work ever since. He has seven straight wins under the Strikeforce banner.
Woodley fought twice in 2011, scoring unanimous decision wins over Tarec Saffiedine in January and Paul Daley in July. If there has been one knock on Woodley it is that his wrestling style has not always been the most fun to watch.
Jordan Mein (30-7 MMA, 1-0 Strikeforce)
Total 30
Wins 23
By knockout 13
By submission 7
By decision 3
Losses 7
By knockout 1
By submission 4
By decision 2
The son of a mixed martial arts promoter, Mein comes into the fight with a serious experience advantage. Having started fighting as an amateur at 14, Mein went 6-1 before turning pro in 2006.
After struggling his first year as a pro, Mein has gone 20-3 since 2007. He is currently riding a six-fight win streak, winning five straight in 2011, including unanimous decision victories over Josh Burkman and Marius Zaromskis.
Mein made his Strikeforce debut this past September, scoring a third round TKO over Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos in Cincinnati. With having won over 50 percent of his fights by knockout, Mein poses a threat to most anyone on the feet.
THE ODDS: Woodley -405, Mein +265
THE MATCH-UP: Woodley’s striking continues to improve, as does his submission game, however, wrestling is still his bread and butter and it is going to give him the edge against almost every opponent who did not spend their entire lives on the mat. Although Mein started fighting at an early age and his stand-up is light years beyond Woodley, he still comes in as an underdog because of Woodley’s phenomenal base.
THE PICK: Woodley’s record is perfect for a reason. He may not always be the most exciting fighter on the card, but he gets the job done. Woodley by decision.