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Who will win the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix between Daniel Cormier and Josh Barnett, and how?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I don't like to guess. If I don't know, I say that I don't know and feel fine in my ignorance. Who's going to win between Barnett and Cormier? I don't know. And I feel fine about it. Walking down the street whistling a happy tune while chaos abounds type happy, no less. Playing in the band on the Titanic, knowing that I have not a care in the world type happy.
What I DO know is that the only reason to not be stoked for this fight is because it's under the Strikeforce banner. I mean, if the people promoting the fight don't give a rat's ass about it, it's pretty damned hard for Joe Casual to give a rat's ass about it either, no? But don't fall prey to that line of thinking. This is a momentous fight even if it's taking place in India with Sanjay Dutt promoting it. It'd be an awesome fight if Shannon Knapp were the promoter and the fighters were forced to watch Bosom Buddies as part of their fight preparation.
Who's going to win? Damned if I know. Barnett's cagy, Cormier has the ability to keep the fight standing, and has massive power, not that Barnett can't knock him down. Gun to my head, I suppose Cormier has the advantage on the feet, and can use his skills to keep the fight standing. But if Barnett does get on top of him with a few minutes to work, that would likely be the end of the fight. So, gun to my head prediction: Cormier by TKO in the third or fourth.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think Barnett wins based on his experience. He's seen it all and knows how to respond. Cormier is a good fighter, but I think Barnett will stymie him at every turn and get the submission.
ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
This should be a great fight. Cormier has the wrestling pedigree to take Barnett down and keep him there, while Barnett can keep it standing with his striking, and I'm sure Barnett is hopeful his wrestling can counter Cormier's take-down attempts. I see this fight going the distance, and Cormier coming out on top via unanimous decision.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Both of these fighters have wrestling as their base and both are great in that aspect of MMA. I think that, even though Cormier has better wrestling credentials, Barnett is a good enough wrestler to match up well in this fight. The difference in this fight will be experience. Cormier is undefeated, but has not taken on the same level of competition as Barnett. I think that Barnett has a more complete game and his experience will help him win this fight. I see this as a decision victory for Barnett.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Cormier will work his heavy handed magic and knock Josh Barnett out cold in the second round. I don't see him getting taken down with his wrestling background and he won't stand infront of Josh either - and his hands have immense power that he will unleash as soon as he sees an opening. Winning this GP ultimately means nothing, but Cormier will win it and face whoever they toss in for the final Strikeforce heavyweight bout.
ALEX WILLIAMS, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Josh Barnett outpoints Daniel Cormier. Tough fight to predict. Cormier looked like a world beater vs. Antonio Silva, but not in his fights before then. Barnett talks a great game. When he says he's the best grappler in the sport, it sounds like he believes it. His striking is good, too. Ultimately, there's too big of an experience gap and Cormier is too much of an unknown quantity for me to pick against Barnett.
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Cormier has great potential but I fear experience will win the day this weekend. Barnett is a wily old fox and that vast experience he possesses will ultimately leave Cormier looking lost, after he's exhausted every attempt possible to finish the fight. Barnett will win by decision but both have the potential to end it earlier should an opportunity present itself.
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