For the first time since I started WeHeartMMA, I put together a perfect 5/5 prediction for Phoenix Strikeforce Challengers. Obviously the winners tonight were Ryan Couture and his submission, Joe Riggs for the hometown crowd, and Miesha Tate for the tournament win. Here are the results from the event:
1. Miesha Tate wins unanimously over Maiju Kujala
Not much to say here, but Miesha Tate made this look easy. Dominated the whole fight for a pretty boring fight, but the real fight is the next round — you got to get there somehow. Miesha didn’t look too tired after the fight.
(+1) Prediction: Miesha Tate over Maiju Kujala
2. Hitomi Akano was too experienced and wins via triangle choke
Hitomi Akano snaps on the triangle choke in the second round advancing the Finals against Miesha. Carina Damm was just overmatched. If anything showed us in the first round fights, these women seem to like to do their fighting on the ground.
(+1) Prediction: Hitomi Akano over Carina Damm
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OK. I don’t know about you, but I’m only interested the Phoenix Strikeforce Challengers card because of the 4-Woman Tournament, specifically for Miesha Tate. If you click the photo above, you’ll learn more about the fighters. After seeing that Sarah Kaufman slam, you got to see this. Also, it’ll be interesting to watch Ryan Couture’s (son of Randy Couture) pro debut fight. Who’s the main event? Joe Riggs vs. Louis Taylor? Really? Here are my predictions for Phoenix Strikeforce Challengers:
1. Miesha Tate pounds a hole in Maiju Kujala’s face
I have to root for Miesha Tate, the Pacific Northwest native (Tacoma, WA). Plus, she’s pretty hot — so it’s a win-win situation for me to watch this fight. Although, she doesn’t only have the looks, but she has the game. She’ll take this fight to the ground and punch her way to a TKO defeating Maiju Kujala and advancing to Finals.
Prediction: Miesha Tate over Maiju Kujala via TKO
2. Hitomi Akano grinds out a war on the ground
This will be a back and forth war between two experienced grapplers in Hitomi Akano and Carina Damm. You’ll see ground and pound via Akano and constant submission attempts via Damm. In the end, when the dust settles from a fast paced war — Akano will have done the majority of the damage and advance.
Prediction: Hitomi Akano over Carina Damm via decision
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