Strikeforce ‘Marquardt vs. Saffiedine’ Preview

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Light Heavyweights

Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2, 3-1-1 SF) vs. Mike Kyle (19-8-1, 3-3-1 SF)

The Matchup: It has been more than a year since Mousasi, one of the sport’s most talented light heavyweights not currently in the UFC, last stepped inside the cage. He will square off with Kyle in a bout that has seemingly been in the works forever: the pair has been scheduled to meet on three different occasions.

Despite his gaudy record, Mousasi is just entering his prime at 27 years old, and the former Strikeforce and Dream light heavyweight titlist has all the physical tools necessary to make an impact in the Octagon when the time comes. Still, “The Dreamcatcher” remains prone to moments of inconsistency, whether it be fading in the third round of what was largely a dominant effort against Ovince St. Preux or his head-scratching draw with Keith Jardine, which came as the result of an illegal Mousasi upkick.

Kyle, a former King of the Cage heavyweight champion, began his Strikeforce stint taking on larger fighters such as Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Silva. Kyle is better suited for 205 pounds, though he was overwhelmed by Rafael Cavalcante at Strikeforce “Barnett vs. Cormier.” That bout was later ruled a no contest when Cavalcante tested positive for a banned substance.

Kyle’s straightforward, brawling style could prove to be his undoing against Mousasi. The American Kickboxing Academy product likes to move forward while landing jabs and straight punches, and he possesses solid power in his right hand. However, he will struggle to find his range against Mousasi’s smooth kickboxing. The Red Devil International export avoids absorbing damage on the feet thanks to his understanding of how to use movement and angles. Mousasi’s technical skill should allow him to cut off the cage and punish Kyle with an accurate and varied striking arsenal.

Beating Mousasi in a prolonged standup battle is unlikely, so Kyle must use combinations to set up takedown attempts. While his submission game is sound, Mousasi’s defensive wrestling is his greatest weakness, as even St. Preux and Jardine experienced success getting him to the floor. Mousasi maintains his composure well in tight spots, however, and is more than capable of catching an overeager Kyle in an armbar or triangle choke from his back.

The Pick: It is too much to expect Kyle to consistently execute a rinse-and-repeat game plan with takedowns and wrestling. Mousasi catches him with a precise counter and finishes the fight in round two.

Last Fights » The Prelims