MMA Views

Josh Barnett: The Heavyweight Grand Prix Darkhorse

Days and weeks before the first round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix the MMA world was teaming with anticipation of a potential Alistair Overeem versus Fedor Emelianenko semi final bout. This is the heavyweight fight everyone wanted to happen; and needed to happen. In the first round of the tournament Fedor was slated to fight the massive and heavy handed Antonio ‘Big Foot’ Silva. Silva, proven to be dangerous opponent, was supposed to be no match for Fedor who was coming off of his first loss in nearly 10 years. At the end of the second round all the anticipation for a Fedor and Overeem superfight was smashed into the ground by Silva. The once unstoppable Fedor has now lost 2 fights in a row and was knocked out of the tournament in the first round.

Four months later we finally get a clear picture on the direction of the tournament. On the same night as Fedor’s loss, stand-up powerhouse Sergei Kharitonov knocked out a slumping Andrei Arlovski to secure a seed in the semi finals. Last weekend Alistair Overeem also advanced to the semi finals defeating Fabricio Werdum in a lackluster and borderline embarrassing fight in Dallas, Texas. And former UFC Heavyweight champion Josh Barnett was back in action after a slew of steroid abuse suspensions submitting a one-dimensional Brett Rogers early in the second round.

Undoubtedly up until the TKO stoppage heard round the world Fedor and Overeem were the heavy favorites to win the tournament. Some were also putting their money on Werdum to take the win on the account of his devastating Jiu-Jitsu which he proved effective submitting Fedor in his previous bout. Despite impressive credentials little was said in regards to the ‘Babyfaced Assassin’ potentially spoiling the party.

Josh Barnett has all the tools needed to finish his next opponent (Sergei Kharitonov) and either victor in the semi final bout between Overeem and Silva. Barnett’s wrestling paired with his size and power is tough to handle for any opponent. Barnett rag-dolled a huge man in Brett Rogers lifting him above his head and slamming him to the mat. Almost immediately taking full mount and working ground and pound and submission attempts.

Barnett vs Kharitonov

This fight is a nightmare scenario for Kharitonov. Barnett can easily dictate the pace of this fight by exploiting Kharitonov’s suspect grappling and ground game. Once on the ground Kharitonov will have no answer for the relentless attack of a much larger Barnett. If Kharitonov brings the same plodding footwork that he used in the Arlovski fight Barnett will have this fight on the ground in no time.

Barnett vs Overeem

The most feared heavyweight striker in MMA didn’t live up to his name on Saturday night. Overeem, trying so desperately to avoid the takedowns of Werdum managed to get out struck by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master on his feet and offer very little in return. In the end that little was enough to score a decision victory. The plan, albeit a bit boring, was very smart. But if Overeem was so worried about Werdum’s takedown’s, how will he handle Barnett’s? Does Overeem still possess the ground game he used to?

Barnett vs Silva

This match up in the most intriguing out of the bunch. Silva is strong, durable, and very resilient. Mike Kyle dropped Silva early in their bout and reigned down five minutes of ground and pound before Silva came back in round two and pounded him out in full mount. Barnett who displayed some decent Muay Thai in his fight against Monson would benefit from keeping this fight standing. Silva, who has displayed some less than desirable take down attempts would struggle with a more seasoned Barnett. This allows for Barnett to dictate where he wants this fight to take place.

Josh Barnett is the man to beat

The former UFC Heavyweight champ has all the tools to win this tournament decidedly. Barnett possesses knockout power in his hands and knees and a submission game that has landed him 4 submission wins in his last 7 victories dating back to 2008. That coupled with a top-notch wrestling game which allows him to dictate the fight is a huge obstacle for Kharitonov, Overeem, or Silva to overcome.