Strikeforce/M-1 ‘Fedor vs. Henderson’ Preview

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Lightweights
Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (15-4-1, 2 NC, 0-1, 1 NC SF) vs. Bobby Green (15-4, 0-0 SF)

The Matchup: A longtime staple of Japanese promotions and once among the best lightweights in the world, Cavalcante was originally slated to face Lyle Beerbohm, who withdrew from the event. Green’s hands are quick and his overall game is solid, but if his bout with Dan Lauzon at Affliction “Day of Reckoning” revealed anything, it was that his head went south in a tough fight.

Green-Lauzon remains one of the dirtiest fights in recent memory. This is Green’s chance to overcome that stigma, but Cavalcante on short notice is one heck of an invite to the party. “JZ” has been in plenty of big fights and still seems to transition well between striking and grappling, pressuring opponents where necessary and applying his advantages.

Green, who was training for another small-show bout before filling in for Beerbohm, will have to sprawl-and-brawl and land something significant early. It is hard to see it happening against the exceptionally resilient Cavalcante, who has never been knocked out or submitted.

The Pick: Cavalcante has too much experience and savvy. He should be able to frustrate and wear down Green en route to a second-round stoppage.

Jason Probst can be reached at Jason@jasonprobst.com or twitter.com/jasonprobst.